Summary
Highlights
Printmaking involves working with a surface, applying ink to it, and then making multiple images or prints from that surface. There are four basic types: relief, intaglio, lithography, and silkscreen.
Relief printmaking creates a print from a raised surface. Artists cut away areas they don't want to receive ink (like white areas) from materials such as wood, linoleum, or Styrofoam. Ink is then rolled onto the raised parts and transferred to paper by applying pressure.
Intaglio involves cutting lines of an image into a smooth metal surface. Ink is pushed into these incised lines, and the surface is wiped clean so only the lines hold ink. The plate is then pressed onto wet paper to transfer the design.
Lithography is unique as no incisions are made. It works on the principle that grease attracts grease but repels water. A design is drawn on a flat stone with a greasy material, and then water and printing ink are applied. The greasy parts absorb ink, while the wet parts do not, forming the design.
Silkscreen, or screenprint, is a type of stencil printing. An artist makes a stencil of their design, places it under a silk sheet, and uses a squeegee to spread ink over the stencil and onto the surface below. Artists can also block out images directly on the screen using various materials.
Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in 1450 revolutionized access to information. Fine art printmaking allows artists to use this medium of multiples for visual expression, offering a unique way to create and disseminate art.