Printmaking

Printmaking definition: “Any of several techniques for

making multiple copies of a single image. Some examples are woodcuts, etchings, collographs, and silk screens.” (TVE 502)

Relief Prints Lithography Intaglio Silk Screening

Intaglio Intaglio is the process of

engraving and etching into a metal plate using diluted acid.

The plate is covered with a paint-like substance. Wherever you remove the substance, that is where the acid will etch.

The ink collects in these lines and that is what transferred onto the paper.

The BlindCyprian Shilakoe, 1969

Lithography The most commonly used form

of printmaking today. Uses the principle that water

and oil do not mix. The artist draws on limestone

with an oil-based crayon or pen, then dips the surface in water.

When ink is applied, the wet stone repels the ink and will only stick to the oil-based crayon.

Its then printed onto paper using a press.Harmonica Blues

Dox Thrash, 1940

Silk Screening The process of using a

light-sensitive emulsion on a piece of stretched silk.

Very common for printing on clothing.

You transfer an image (photographic or hand drawn) onto the screen by exposing it to light.

Placing your artistic surface underneath, you squeegee ink across the screen and it transfers onto the surface.Self Portrait

Andy Warhol

Relief Prints “A relief print is so called

because the image on the plate is in relief, that is, it projects up from the surface of the plate.” (TVE 226)

Relief comes from the Latin word levo, meaning raised.

If the ink shows where the artist did not carve away, what does that tell you about this particular print by Dürer? Rhinocerus

Albrecht Dürer, 1515

Relief Prints“The artist draws on the block of wood, and then cuts away the areas

that are to remain white. The parts that will be printed are raised from the background.” (TVE 226)

The Great Wave off Kanagawa, (series 36

Views of Mt. Fuji)Katsushika Hokusai c.

1830

Self-PortraitKäthe Kollwitz, 1924

How did Kollwitz use line to emphasize the figure?Describe the way she removed parts of the wood block to create such contrast?

Relevant Elements and Principles Line Value Emphasis Texture (simulated)

Required: Create a 1-process print

Optional / Up Level: Create a 2-process print