What Is Printmaking?

What Is Printmaking?

The final print is preceded by a complex process that produces a larger number of artistic originals. By fine art printmaking, we mean a design drawn (or carved...) into a particular material, which is then reproduced by printing in a set number of copies. In essence, this is the reproduction of a print drawing by transferring ink from a printing plate onto paper.

The printing plate (matrix) can be prepared in various ways, such as by cutting, etching, engraving, and so on. The matrix can be made from a wide range of materials, for example, wood, linoleum, stone, metal, glass, plastic...

The final result is a print (impression). Several originals can be made, but the edition should not exceed a limit. Each matrix wears down with printing, so only a certain number of prints can be made from one matrix.

Types of Printmaking Techniques

• relief printing (woodcut, wood engraving (xylography), engraving on a brass plate, linocut, linocut relief printing (scrap printing), metal engraving, lead engraving and original zincography, serigraphy)
• intaglio printing
• planographic printing
• screen printing

Fine art printmaking is one of the most demanding artistic techniques, and it requires various specialized tools, such as printing inks for printmaking, rollers, a printing press, linoleum, cutting tools, linocut sets, wood, and more. However, it can also be done at home as a hobby, using various techniques. If this topic has caught your interest, we’ll take a closer look at individual techniques in upcoming articles and show you how to get started with them.

Michal Cihlář is a Czech artist whose work is mainly in printmaking. He was born in 1960 and studied at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague. In 1981, he began working with the colored linocut technique, which captivated a wide audience. Along with artists such as R. Prekop, he helped bring the Andy Warhol Museum in Medzilaborce to life. He created the visual identity of Prague Zoo, from tickets to billboards. Michal Cihlář is a master of his craft, as his following works clearly show.

Wishing you lovely days filled with art and creativity, Sabína.