Printmaking- 101

What is printmaking?

Printmaking is a process/technique that allows the artist to create multiple original copies from a carved plate or slab. Printmaking originated in China after paper was invented.

4 Types of Printmaking: relief, intaglio, plano graphic and stencil. Each of which have a few different processes. ** are types of printmaking we will be working on in class.

**Relief:

Relief  prints are made by creating mountain and valley's. The mountain area is the raised portion of the design that touches the paper for printing. Stamps are a form of relief printing.
Linocut: Linocut is a print made by carving the image in to a block of linoleum. The design is cut in to linoleum surface with the help of a speedball cutter, with raised parts that are to be printed. The linoleum sheet is inked and it is pressed on a paper.

Step by step tutorial

Intaglio: 

The design is carved/scratched into the surface of a plate for Intaglio printmaking. Metals such as copper,aluminum or stone. The process involves making an image by making grooves below the surface of the metal. Then the ink is pushed into the grooves of the image that have been made. It is then pushed into a press with a damp paper on it and while it is being pushed the ink gets onto the paper from the grooves.

Rembrandt, self portrait 1630- etching

**Plano graphic: 

Plano graphics, the printing is done on a flat surface, rather than from a raised surface.

Monotyping : Monotyping is done by drawing or painting an image on a smooth and non-absorbent surface.

Monoprint: A single print. These are often experiments by the artist and only one print of the kind was produced. It will be labeled the same way as a proof or one in a series, but instead of “A/P” or “2/25”, the artist will write “monoprint” below the lower left corner of the print. 

**Stencil:

Stencil/ Serigraphy is a thin material that does not allow moisture to pass through it. When ink is applied an image is formed within the area around/inside the stencil.
Screen-printing : Screen printing is a technique for printing a flat image through a fine mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The areas which you don’t want to be printed are masked out on the screen. The frame which consists of ink is placed over the item and pressed through the screen to create the print.

Printmaking Terminology

• Brayer: Hand held roller that is used to apply ink to plate.
• Block/Plate: The surface on which an image is created for transfering onto paper.
• Print:
• Gouge Tool: Speedball cutter, this is used to cut into linoleum.
• Edition: Set of prints that are identical, signed and numbered.  A “Limited Edition” has a set number of prints decided upon before printing.
• Registration marks: Marks on paper at all four corners of plate in order to line up print for accuracy.
• Artist Proof: The first print pulled from the plate or block. The printmaker uses this to check the cut of the plate of the block.

***Always use Pencil to sign, Number and Title your prints! *** 

Safety and set up:

• Table clothes must be on each table.
• Cutting tools must be used by cutting away from body. 
• All tools stay at school.
• Brayers should stay in ink/paint color they are first used in.
• Brayers go in green bin with soapy water at end of class.
• Ink/Paint goes on  plexiglass.
• Prints must be hung to dry or places on red drying rack.
• Set plate on table and paper on top, then use dowel rod and carefully and firmly roll over paper.

Criteria for Linoleum Prints:

• Aesop Fable character- Must create your own character
• 4x6- Linoleum cut in half
• 2 of your best one color prints
• 2 of your best two color prints