Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation

Vinzons Avenue, Daet, Camarines Norte

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

GE ELEC 1 – READING VISUAL ARTS

Prepared by: Cristine Mae A. Garcia, LPT.

Module Overview
This module provides an introduction to the art of printmaking. Printmaking is a
versatile visual art form that involves creating an image on a surface (known as
a "matrix") and transferring it to another surface, most often paper or fabric,
using ink. This process allows for the creation of multiple original artworks, known
as prints. Unlike a simple reproduction, each print in an edition is considered an
original work of art.
Through this module, you will learn the fundamental principles of printmaking,
explore the four major categories of the art form, and identify the tools and
materials required for creating prints.
Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
• Define printmaking and explain its significance as a visual art medium.
• Identify and describe the four main types of printmaking: Relief, Intaglio,
Planographic, and Stencil.
• List and explain the functions of the primary tools and materials used in
each printmaking process.
• Distinguish between a unique work of art and a print from an edition.
What is Printmaking?
Printmaking is an artistic process based on the principle of transferring an image
from a matrix to a final surface. The matrix can be made from various materials,
including wood, linoleum, metal, stone, or a porous screen. The artist creates a
design on this matrix, applies ink, and then uses pressure to transfer the ink onto
paper or another medium. The transferred image is a mirror image of the original
design on the matrix.
The result is a print. A series of identical prints is called an edition, and each print
is typically signed and numbered by the artist.
Types of Printmaking
The four main categories of printmaking are defined by how the image is
created and transferred from the matrix.
1. Relief Printing
In relief printing, the image is created from the raised surface of the matrix. The
artist carves away the non-printing areas, leaving the design in relief. Ink is then
applied to the raised surfaces using a roller (brayer), and pressure is applied to
transfer the ink.
• Examples
Woodcut (using a plank of wood) and Linocut (using a sheet of linoleum).

2. Intaglio Printing
Intaglio, meaning "to incise" or "to cut into," is the opposite of relief printing. The
image is created from the incised or sunken lines of the matrix, which is typically
a metal plate (e.g., copper, zinc). The artist carves, scratches, or etches the
design into the plate. Ink is then forced into these recessed lines, and the surface
is wiped clean. When the paper is pressed onto the plate under high pressure,
the ink from the lines is lifted onto the paper.

• Examples
Engraving
Engraving is an intaglio printmaking process in which lines are cut into a
metal plate in order to hold the ink. In engraving, the plate can be made
of copper or zinc.
The metal plate is first polished to remove all scratches and imperfections
from the surface so that only the intentional lines will be printed. When
making an engraving, the printmaker incises or cuts a composition directly
into the surface of a metal plate using a sharp tool, known as a burin: a
steel shaft ending in a beveled diamond-shaped tip that is set into a
rounded wooden handle.

Etching
Etching is an intaglio printmaking process in which lines or areas are
incised using acid into a metal plate in order to hold the ink. In etching,
the plate can be made of iron, copper, or zinc.
To prepare the plate for etching, it is first polished to remove all scratches
and imperfections from the surface. When the surface is completely
smooth, it is covered evenly with a layer of acid-resistant varnish or wax,
which is called the ground.

Drypoint
Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking method that involves scratching an
image into a plate with a pointed tool. These lines create a burr that holds
ink, meaning that the print reveals the drawing. Intaglio printmaking is the
opposite of relief printmaking as it is the positive marks that are printed
rather than the areas that are left behind.
3. Planographic Printing
Planographic printing methods are based on the principle that oil and water do
not mix. The image is not raised or carved into the surface but is instead created
on a flat plane. The artist draws a design on a flat stone or plate with an oily
substance. The surface is then treated so that the areas with the design accept
ink, while the non-image areas repel it.

• Examples
Lithography (the most famous planographic technique) lithography and
offset lithography are planographic processes that rely on the property
that water will not mix with oil. The image is created by applying a tusche
(greasy substance) to a plate or stone. The term lithography comes from
litho, for stone, and -graph to draw.

Monotype (which creates a single unique print) monotype is a

planographic printmaking technique that produces a unique, one-of-a-
kind print. It involves painting or inking a smooth surface (like glass or
metal) and then transferring the image to paper, usually with a press or by
hand. The resulting print is generally the only one that can be made from
that particular inking, hence the name "monotype".
4. Stencil Printing
Stencil printing involves a stencil to create the image. A mesh screen is used as a
matrix. The non-image areas are blocked out with a stencil or a light-sensitive
emulsion, and the open mesh areas allow ink to pass through onto the paper
below. A squeegee is used to push the ink evenly across the screen.
• Examples
Screen Printing (also known as silkscreen printing).

Tools and Materials in Printmaking

The tools and materials required vary depending on the specific type of
printmaking. However, some common items are used across different methods.
• Relief Printing
o Matrix
Wood blocks or linoleum sheets.
o Cutting Tools
Gouges, chisels, or carving knives.
o Inking
A brayer (roller) and printmaking ink.
o Paper
Typically a durable, absorbent paper.
• Intaglio Printing:
o Matrix
Metal plates (copper, zinc).
o Cutting Tools
Burins (for engraving), drypoint needles, or etching tools.
o Chemicals
Acid baths (for etching).
o Press
An intaglio printing press to apply high pressure.
 • Planographic Printing:
o Matrix
Limestone or aluminum plates.
o Drawing Materials
Greasy lithographic pencils, crayons, or tusche (a liquid litho ink).
o Inking
A sponge or roller for applying ink.
o Press
A lithography press.
• Stencil Printing (Screen Printing):
o Matrix
A mesh screen mounted on a frame.
o Stencils
Can be made from paper, film, or a photo-emulsion.
o Inking
A squeegee to push ink through the screen.
o Ink
Specialized screen printing ink.

References
Ross, John. The Complete Printmaker. Free Press, 2017.
• A comprehensive guide covering all major printmaking techniques.
Saff, Donald, and Deli Sacilotto. Printmaking: History and Process. Holt, Rinehart
and Winston, 2012.
• A widely-used textbook that details the history and technical aspects of
printmaking.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). "What Is a Print?" MoMA Learning.
• An excellent online resource that provides an overview of printmaking
concepts and techniques, often with visual examples from the museum's
collection.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. "Printmaking." Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.
• A scholarly resource detailing the historical evolution of printmaking across
different cultures and periods.