Printmaking (Relief, Intaglio, Screen Processes and Lithography)

Printmaking (Relief, Intaglio, Screen Processes and Lithography)

Understanding Printmaking

  • Printmaking is an art form where an image is produced on a surface by applying ink or pigment to a raised design or cut-out areas, and then transferring it onto paper or fabric.
  • There are four main types of printmaking: Relief, Intaglio, Screen Processes, and Lithography.

Relief Printmaking

  • Relief printmaking involves creating an image by cutting away parts of the surface, leaving the image area raised in relation to the rest.
  • Materials for this type can include wood (woodcut) or linoleum (linocut).
  • The cut areas will stay blank in the final print, while the areas left in relief, inked and pressed onto paper, will form the image.

Intaglio Printmaking

  • Intaglio printmaking is a process where lines or grooves are carved into a surface - such as a copper or zinc plate - and the ink is applied into these spaces.
  • Types of Intaglio printmaking can include etching, engraving, drypoint, and aquatint.
  • Ink is wiped from the surface and only remains in the carved lines or grooves. When pressed onto paper, the inked grooves form the image, resulting in highly detailed prints.

Screen Processes

  • Screen Processes, like silk-screen printing or serigraphy, use a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil.
  • The stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink onto the material.
  • A squeegee or sponge is moved across the stencil, forcing or pumping ink past the threads of the woven mesh as ink and onto the printing surface.

Lithography

  • Lithography is a printing process that uses a stone or metal plate with a smooth surface.
  • Based on the principle that water and oil do not mix, an image is created on the plate with a greasy substance and then inked.
  • When paper is pressed onto the plate, the ink from the greasy areas transfers onto the paper, creating the image.

Analysing Printmaking Art

  • Look for qualities such as the crispness or softness of lines, texture, and tonal contrast in printmaking art.
  • Discuss the technical and artistic skill involved in using different printmaking techniques.
  • Comment on the use of repetition, often a feature of works created through printmaking.

Context in Printmaking Art

  • Link the materials, methodologies, and imagery used in printmaking art to specific artistic movements, cultural influences, or historical events.
  • Consider the implications of duplicability in printmaking and how this has shaped the perception and value of such artworks.
  • Discuss how different printmaking techniques could represent or highlight particular themes or messages.