Printmaking
Printmaking is creating a large, detailed stamp with ink/paint to create artwork on paper or fabric. The most common types are Relief Printing, Lithography, Intaglio, and Screen Printing.
Relief Printing
Carving out the negative space. In relief printing, a printing plate (wood, metal, or linoleum) has the negative space carved out of it. The raised surface is inked and then the paper is pressed against it. This results on the raised surface becoming the image. A Collagraph is a type of relief printing that has a collage of 3D objects/images glued together and then used as a stamp on a piece of paper. |
Lithography
Drawing with oil and water in stone. Working on the principle that oil and water repel each other, the artist draws with oil pencil/crayons and then coats it with a thin layer of water. When the ink is applied, it sticks only to the oil and not to the water. It is then pressed onto the paper, creating the final image. |
Intaglio
Etching the design into a metal plate Also known as: Etching or Engraving Intaglio is carved into a metal plate. It can be etched with tools or engraved with chemicals. The ink in rubbed into the negative space and wiped free from the raised areas. Intense pressure pushes the damp paper into the grooves to catch and hold the ink for the final image. |
Screen Printing
Stencil sheets using a new one for each color. Also known as: Serigraphy or Silkscreening. A stencil is cut out for the intended design, using a new color for each stencil area. Paint is pressed through mesh and the stencil onto the printing surface, usually paper or even T-shirts. |