Printmaking Notes
Art/ Ms. Kehoe
Name: ____________________________________
Date:________________
Block: ______________
PRINTMAKING
“The Knight…” (1513) by Albrect Durer
A little history about printmaking:
Printmaking has shaped culture in all parts of the world. Originally used as a form
of communication, printmaking is now valued as an artistic medium with unique
technical qualities. To make a print, the artist typically creates an image on a surface
made out of metal, stone, wood, or other materials; the surface is then inked, and pressed
onto paper to create an original print. By repeating the printing process, the artist is able
to create multiple original works of art.
Printmaking has its roots in prehistoric times, when humans placed their hands on
cave walls and blew pulverized pigment around them to create images. In approximately
500 BC, Sumerians carved images on cylinder seals that could be pressed into wet clay,
thereby creating multiple imprints to indicate the ownership of goods. Chinese scholars
created rubbings from carved texts around 200 AD, an early form of printing that could
be done on paper and silk.
The invention of paper set the stage for printmaking throughout the world,
because paper was affordable and well-suited to printing. As papermaking knowledge
spread from China to the rest of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, printmaking became
more widespread and technologically sophisticated.
Printmaking initially flourished as a form of communication, for it enabled artists
to make multiples that could be disseminated to a large number of people. Starting in the
eighth century, Japanese artists used printmaking to make multiple editions of Buddhist
manuscripts. In fourteenth century Europe, woodcut prints became a popular way to
distribute Christian images to the common people. In the fifteenth century, Gutenberg’s
printed Bible ushered in a whole new era of literacy.
From the Renaissance onward, individual artists became known for their
spectacular use of printmaking. Albrecht Dürer dazzled fifteenth century audiences with
the exquisite detail and great craftsmanship of his paintings, woodblock prints, and
engravings. Two centuries later, Rembrandt’s mastery of the intaglio medium enabled
him to create an influential group of over three hundred printmaking plates. About the
same time, Japanese artists such as Katsushika Hokusai took the art of woodblock
printing to new heights. Over time, the “toolbox” of printmaking techniques expanded to
include etching, mezzotint, and eventually lithography, silkscreen, and monoprint. As
processes became more complex, more artists began to work in print shops with
professional facilities and the expertise of a Master Printer.
The late nineteenth century saw the rise of the artist-printmaker in Europe and the
United States. Whether working independently or collaboratively with Master Printers,
these artist-printmakers helped to firmly establish their medium within the artistic canon.
Seminal figures within the nineteenth century include Turner, Whistler, Blake, Degas,
Cassatt, and Goya. Artist-printmakers in the first half of the twentieth century include
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legends such as Chagall, Matisse, Munch, Picasso, Miro, Arp, Ernst, Dali, Kollwitz,
Beckmann, Barlach, Kandinsky, Klee, Hopper, and more.
In the same time period, artists all over the world carried printmaking to new
heights. Japanese artists, for example, worked within the established tradition of ukiyo-e
printmaking to create luminous woodblock prints depicting scenes from mythology and
everyday life. In Mexico, artists such as José Posada flocked to printmaking for its
graphic beauty and potential to effect social change. The famous Mexican Taller de
Gráfica Popular (Workshop for Popular Graphics) provided access and inspiration for an
entire generation of artists.
http://www.highpointprintmaking.org/education/what_is_printmaking/history
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Let’s Review: Answer the questions below about the History of Printmaking. You
may use the notes from the previous page. Please use full sentences.
1. How was printmaking a form of communication?
2. What did printmaking look like in prehistoric times?
3. Who was the artist most well known for his ‘Exquisite craftsmanship of his
paintings, woodblock prints, and engravings?’
4. Why was the invention of paper so important?
5. Most artists would work in what as printmaking processes became more
complex?
6. What are Ukiyo-E prints?
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Important Vocabulary
Ink- The type of material used to create images on paper in printmaking.
Baren- A flat tool used to rub or (spoon print) images from the plate to the paper.
Burin- The tool used to carve out material from a wood block or linoleum to create a
relief print.
Brayer- The tool used to apply ink to a wood block, linoleum, or other surface.
Relief Print- A process that involves creating a plate or block in which the parts of
the block NOT intended to print are carved away. Only the image area remains raised.
Examples of relief printing include woodcut, linocut, and wood engraving.
Collograph- A type of printmaking where a variety of textured materials are added
to a rigid surface such as cardboard or wood. Ink or pigment is applied to the resulting
collage, and the board is used to print onto paper using either a printing press or by
hand.
Lithography- A form of printmaking where a greasy substance drawn on a flat
stone to transfer ink to paper. When the drawing is complete the flat surface of the stone
is slightly roughened, or etched. The stone is then moistened with water. The parts of the
stone not protected by the greasy drawing soak up the water and then oil-based ink is
rolled onto the stone. Ink clings to the greasy drawing and is repelled by the water. The
image is then printed on paper in the reverse form.
Serigraphy- Also known as screen printing. This type of printmaking is used to
create designs on t-shirts and fabrics. Ink is pushed through a silkscreen and onto a
surface using a squeegee.
Intaglio-
A form of printmaking where ink is applied to the surface of a plate that
has been etched (carved) and then rubbed with stiff cloth to remove most of the excess,
leaving ink only in the incisions. A damp piece of paper is placed on top and plate and
paper are run through a printing press. Pressure forces the paper into the incisions and
transfers the ink to paper.
Block Print- The term used when creating a print from a wood block or linoleum.
Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” 1893.
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Directions: Use the vocab words on the opposite page to help you
figure out the crossword puzzle. (10 pts.)
http://www.worldprintmakers.com/masters/durero/images/knight.jpg
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