Before printmaking, original artworks, like paintings, were unique and hard to reproduce.
Printmaking allowed for the rapid and inexpensive reproduction of artwork, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Objectives
Describe two general types of printmaking techniques.
Identify and describe three types of relief printmaking:
Woodcut or woodblock
Wood engraving
Linocut
Identify some tools and materials used in relief printmaking.
Key Terms
Print
Press
Relief printing
Woodcut
Key block
Registration
Woodblock
Linocut
Gouge
What is Printmaking?
Printmaking is the process of applying ink to a design and transferring it to paper.
Example: A thumbprint on paper, where ink from the raised area of the thumb is deposited on the page.
Two Basic Categories:
Relief Printmaking: Ink is applied to the raised areas of the design, which are then deposited on the surface.
Intaglio Printing: Grooves are filled with ink, and this ink is deposited onto the surface.
Relief Printing
The artist outlines an image and cuts away the areas that they don't want printed.
Albert Heijer, a German artist from the Renaissance period, was a master of relief prints, known for detailed works.
Three Types of Relief Printing Techniques
Woodcut or Woodblock
Originated in China and later imported into Japan.
The artist creates a "key block" by carving away parts of the block where the design is desired.
Registration points are used to align different blocks with different colors.
Registration points are cut out of the corners of the image to line up the block in the same place each time to ensure the right color is printed in the right place.
Wood Engraving
Perfected by Thomas Burek; popular during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Involves using new tools to carve into the hard side of the wood, allowing for very detailed elements.
Example: Thomas Burek's barn owl engraving showcases detailed bark texture and feathers.
Linocut
Invented by Pablo Caso.
Uses linoleum (a synthetic material) for cutting out designs.
The ink is applied similarly to woodblocks and then pressed onto a surface.
Some criticize linocut as not being fine art due to its perceived lack of difficulty compared to woodblock or engraving.
Suited for bold, high-contrast designs.
Tools and Materials for Relief Prints
Gouges and graves for scraping out wood.
Lever pads and chalk.
Palette knife and brayer for rolling ink over the surface.
Specific Materials
Gouge: Straight or bent tool that produces a rounded line for carving.
Knives: Exacto knives or hanget knives.
Paper and Ink: Ink is rolled onto the woodblock or linoleum and pressed onto paper.
The choice of ink color and type of paper influence the finished product.
Review
Two general types of printmaking techniques.
Three types of relief printmaking: woodblock, wood engraving, and linocut.
Tools and materials used in printmaking.
Conclusion
Printmaking was crucial for artwork reproduction before photography and copy machines.
Skilled artisans created rich and interesting artwork using careful techniques.