While most types of artwork are known for being single pieces that
can never be replicated in exact detail, printmaking is a type of art
that utilizes the ability to create multiple copies of a piece of art.
The emphasis is on the design, not the variety of surfaces that it is
applied to. Typically, printmaking uses a some kind of ink or paint to
make the design on a surface whether it be paper, cloth, or another
medium. Printmaking can be divided into four basic categories: relief,
intaglio, planographic, and stencil. Relief printmaking is one of the
simplest types of printmaking, in which material is carved or taken away
from around the protruding design that is to be printed so that only
the design appears. Intaglio printmaking is the reverse of relief
printmaking, in that the design is carved in a way to hold the ink, and
then printed that way. Planographic is unlike the last two in which the
design is printed from a flat surface. Stenciling involves cutting the
design out of a thin material and then printing the design by rubbing or
spraying paint around the areas that are cut out.
Woodcut
Woodcuts are some of the oldest types of relief printmaking. The
design is carved from wood and then printed from the raised surface.
Woodcuts also refer to the prints made from a woodcut design.
Engraving
Engraving is an old method of intaglio printmaking that involves
carving the metal to create the design. Artists had to spend years
learning how to reproduce high quality designs without making mistakes.
This was an especially difficult method for artists to master, and soon
gave way to etching.
Etching
Etching is also an old type of intaglio printmaking. In this process,
a strong acid or mordant is used to dissolve away parts of the metal
surface that were unprotected. This created the design, and became a
much simpler method for artists to utilize.
Lithography
Lithography was a one of the first planographic methods used. A flat
stone or metal plate is used, and some kind of ink resistant material is
used to create the non-image portion of the design. Then it is inked
and pressed to a surface to create the image.
Screenprinting
Screenprinting or serigraphy is a type of stenciling that involves
designing an image and then applying the paint or ink through a screen
which is typically called a silk screen. The stenciled image blocks the
ink on the other side to create the image.
Monotype
Monotypes are a unique type of printmaking, in that while reprinting
is possible, there is usually only one acceptable printing, that being
the first one. Paint or ink is applied to a smooth surface such as
cooper or glass, and then through a printing press, the image is pressed
to a sheet of paper. Most of the paint or ink is removed during the
first pressing, so prints after the first are considered "ghost prints".
Monoprint
Monotypes and monoprints are very similar and often used
interchangeably, but there is a specific difference between the two.
While monotypes use a smooth surface, monoprints can use a woodcut,
lithography plates, or even etched plates. The way they are painted or
inked makes the print unique, which is why monoprints also usually only
produce one acceptable image.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a type of printmaking that takes a digital image
and prints it onto a surface (paper, cloth, etc.). This type of
printmaking is commonly seen in laser or ink jet printers. This method
has become extremely efficient in modern times, as the digital file acts
as the printing plate, therefore saving time and money. Although the
quality may be lacking sometimes due to a corruption in the file or the
ability of the printer, adjustments are constantly being made to improve
digital printing.
Foil Imaging
Foil imaging is a more recently developed type of printmaking. Using
the same process as commercial foil stamping, foil imaging creates
unique prints using colored foil. Foil imaging can be used alongside
more standard forms of printmaking like relief, intaglio, lithography,
and stenciling.
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