3.2 - Printmaking and Photography

Printmaking

Repeatedly transfers original design from one surface to other surfaces.

Relief Printing

The image is printed from a raised surface; areas not meant to print are cut away.

Example of Relief Printing

Woodcut prints.

Intaglio

The image is incised into a surface; ink sits in the grooves and is transferred to paper.

Examples of Intaglio

Etchings by Rembrandt.

Lithography

Printing from a flat surface, where image areas are treated to attract ink and non-image areas repel ink.

Example of Lithography

Vintage posters and advertisements.

Screen Printing

Ink is pushed through a mesh screen onto paper or fabric, except where blocked by a stencil.

Example of Screen Printing

T-shirt graphics and posters.

Photography

Capturing images using light-sensitive materials or digital sensors.

Photography vs. Printmaking

Includes process, time, and artistic choices.

Example of Photography

Carrie Mae Weems - Kitchen Table Series (1990).

Process of Relief Printing

Draw image on a block (wood or linoleum), carve away non-image areas, roll ink onto the raised surface, press paper onto the block to transfer the image.

Process of Intaglio

Scratch or etch lines into a metal plate, cover plate with ink, then wipe the surface clean, leaving ink in the grooves, press damp paper onto the plate using a printing press.

Process of Lithography

Draw image with greasy crayon on a flat stone or metal plate, treat surface with chemicals so only the drawing holds ink, roll ink over the surface and press paper onto it to print.

Process of Screen Printing

Create a stencil on a mesh screen, place screen over material, spread ink across the screen, pressing it through open areas onto the surface below.