Techniques materials and tools used in printmaking

Understand the techniques and media of printmaking in developing an exhibition and online catalogue. Visit the Baillieu Library Print Collection to explore the history of different printmaking processes and their diverse purposes as forms of communication and social engagement. Explore and reflect critically on diverse approaches and purposes of printmaking techniques. Visit the Print Collection — in the Baillieu Library and online — to gain knowledge and understanding of a range of methods and materials, in order to build your confidence in exploring and experimenting with a variety of printmaking processes.

Gain practical vocational experience in an industry setting under the guidance of a senior staff member, with additional support from the subject co-ordinator, at the Baillieu Library Print Collection. Visit the Baillieu Library Print Collection to explore critical interpretations of works of art, spectatorship, patronage, the place of art in daily life in Renaissance Italy, the scientific analysis of works of art, restoration history, and workshop practice related to Renaissance prints.

Baroque Art in Polycentric Europe. Visit the Baillieu Library Print Collection to develop a broad understanding of the technical and stylistic achievements of the major practitioners of the Baroque period. Instead, what seems to be the key characteristic is the unique visual qualities that all types of printmaking have in their arsenal. Many experts agree that printmaking techniques can be roughly divided into four basic categories of relief, intaglio, planographic and stencil. The relief method is one of the simplest types of printmaking in which the material is carved or otherwise taken away from around the protruding design that is to be printed.

Here, the ink is applied to the raised surface of the matrix. Technically speaking, intaglio printmaking is the reverse of the relief method - the ink is applied beneath the original surface of the matrix, such as the case with the techniques of engraving and etching. The matrix retains its original surface but is specially prepared to allow for the transfer of the image. Last but not least, stenciling is a special variant of printmaking and it involves carving the design out of a thin material and then printing the design by rubbing or spraying paint around the spaces that are cut out.

This method is extremely popular in the world of street art as stencils are one of the most popular techniques urban interventionists tend to use. All the types of printmaking are based on the idea of multiplying designs from a matrix, but all of the methods carry their own set of distinctive styles, tools, materials and, ultimately, visual appearances. Depending on what they desire to accomplish, authors choose different types of printmaking and the differences between the final artworks can be rather dramatic.

It should be noted that many of the printmaking techniques are often combined, especially if they belong to the same methodical category. We shall now go through what we believe to be the nine most popular printmaking techniques in order to investigate both their technical processes and the overall characteristics. Perennially popular, printmaking is enjoying a contemporary resurgence, but no comprehensive up-to-date manual on the subject exists.

At over pages and packed with 1, full-color photos and illustrations, The Printmaking Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques is the definitive resource to the ins-and-outs of every variety of serious printmaking technique practiced today. In-depth instructions are accompanied by profiles that show how working authors create their prints. Historical information, troubleshooting tips and an extensive resource section provide more invaluable tools. Perfect for students, print aficionados and collectors, The Printmaking Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques is truly the ultimate volume for anyone involved in this creative and influential artistic form.

Woodcut is the oldest printmaking technique and it involves carving an image into a wooden surface before covering it in ink with a roller, which is followed by printing, leaving an image only where the block has not been carved away.

A similar yet much more modern version of the woodcut, linocut is made via a method that uses a sheet of linoleum is as a relief foundation upon which a design is formed.

The composition is carved into the linoleum surface with a sharp knife or a chisel, with the raised and uncarved areas being a mirror image of the parts that will be printed. Although the actual printing can be done by hand or with a printer, the result is always the same - a printed composition with clear and fluid lines, much more fluent visually than any piece of woodcut. In order to produce an etching , authors incise a design onto a wax-coated metal plate and then soak the entire matrix in strong acid.

After the chemicals are done exposing the lines and leaving the wax virtually intact, the plate can be inked and pressed. A part of the intaglio category, the etching process is believed to have been invented by Daniel Hopfer who used to decorate armor in this fashion. Its great advantage was that it required no special skill in metalworking and was relatively easy to learn for anyone who had some training in drawing.

Prints made by etching are usually linear and contain fine detail and contours. Although the legendary Rembrandt is considered to be the greatest master of this method, many modern authors have also worked with etchings. By far the less forgiving variant of etching is the process of engraving , a method which demands that an artist carves his image directly onto a metal plate.

Below you will see three lists: Required, Found Objects, and Optional. Some harder-to-find materials are linked to supply stores in this handout to help you as you acquire supplies. Please note: Any links are included for your convenience only. Feel free to order or purchase supplies anywhere you wish.

It is strongly recommended that you read the entire syllabus and look through the materials lists early on in the class to ensure you have everything you need for each of the weekly assignments! The following materials are required for this course. Many of these items will be used multiple times throughout the course as well.

This list is compiled into a Blick U Materials List for easy online purchasing and checkout. You are not required to purchase from Blick U.