Printmaking

A monoprint is usually a variation on a series, as there is a pattern, matrix or image on or below the painting surface so that it can be printed multiple times over, in a variety of ways onto paper.

A monotype is considered one-of-a-kind and does not employ repeatable elements.

This printing process can be done by hand or by press for desired results.

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. This printing process requires a printing press for high pressure.

Lithography is a printing process that uses a flat stone or metal plate on which the image areas are worked using a greasy substance so that the ink will adhere to them by, while the non-image areas are made ink-repellent. This printing process requires a printing press for high pressure.

In relief printing, the artist draws a design on a smooth block of material—usually wood or linoleum—and uses tools to carefully cut away the areas that are not to be printed, leaving behind a raised surface of lines and shapes. The surface of the block is inked using a dabber or a roller. A sheet of paper is then placed on top of the block and vertically pressed against the surface; this can be done by hand or using a printing press. The most common types of relief processes are woodcut, linocut, and wood-engraving.