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Printmaking 101
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Printmaking is a process where multiple prints of an image can be made by use of matrix on which the image is created.

A composition is created on a surface from which a transfer using ink is possible, such as a plate, stone, piece of wood, potato, etc. Ink is applied, and the image is transferred to a substrate, usually paper. This piece of paper is known as a print. The same matrix can be used to create identical prints. A series of identical prints is known as an edition.

Essential printmaking terms
  • Baren a round, flat tool with a handle used for rubbing
  • Brayer a roller used for applying ink
  • Edition a group of identical prints created with a single plate.
  • A.P. artist's proof. This is placed at the bottom left hand corner of a print that is not part of an edition.

Techniques

The four most popular printmaking techniques are woodcut, etching, lithography, and screen-printing. These techniques can also be combined.

Some other printmaking techniques are chine-coll, collography, monotyping, engraving, drypoint, mezzotint, linocut, aquatint and batiking.

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