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Prints and Printmaking

 

Unlike painting, where the artist might paint directly on a surface, the printmaker transfers an image created on one surface- a plate of metal, wood, glass, plastic or stone, or  matrix of screens and stencils - onto another surface.  Usually it is paper, but other surfaces like fabric, parchment or plastic are sometimes used.  The transfer can be by hand or using a mechanical press.

Depending on the technique used,  prints can be produced from either one or a number of plates printed on top of each other, each representing a separate colour or design. Whatever the technique the processes are capable of producing anything from one print (and perhaps a second 'ghost image'), to multiples in an edition of prints numbering anything from ten or twelve to sometimes over a hundred or more.  An artist will either create prints themselves or work alongside a master printmaker or experienced technician who might then edition the print on behalf of the artist.

Each printmaking technique - relief, intaglio, lithographic, screen, monoprint & monotype - is classified according to the type of surface and method used to create the image.

 

For an overview of the printmaker's art, follow this link.........

 

Also, take a look at what the Tate says about print...

Art Terms - PRINT

 

 

 

 


 

The studio on day when editioning a multi-block relief print.The studio on day when editioning a multi-block relief print.

 

 

© 2024 Bruce Pearson.  All rights reserved.