The Art of Printmaking

Woodcut

The first printmaking technique is called woodcut and a great example of it is The Gods (Te Atua) of the series Noa Noa by Gauguin in 1893. Woodcut is a form of relief printmaking and is the oldest kind which is a characteristic technique of the ancient Chinese culture and they are made by cutting along the flat surface of wood with a knife. The work of art has dimension and the dark and light areas give an exotic feel. 

Etching

The second printmaking method is called etching and an example of it is Note I by Cy Twombly in 1967. Etching is done by applying minimal pressure and a chemical process does most of the work. The matrix is placed in an acid bath to reveal the result. The art piece looks like an old letter due to the delicate lines on the colored paper.

Lithography

The next method is lithography and the work of art called Young Couple by Emil Nolde in 1913 portrays it accurately. In lithography, the matrix is flat and it is a surface process. The artist uses a crayon to draw the image on a flat stone and afterwards, a solution of nitric acid is applied to complete the design. Nolde used three of four stones to add dimension and a variation of colors to his work which is common for lithography. 

Serigraphy

The last printmaking technique is called serigraphy or screen print and an example of it is Untitled by Bridget Riley in 1964. The art piece is black and white and the artist is known for her optical effects. Serigraphy is performed with stencils and sometimes with silk or nylon stretched on a frame and paint or ink is forced through with a squeegee.