“The Basics on Artistic Printmaking Press”

Using the creative printmaking press is a process where an artist etches his or her designs on one plate or surface.

Common materials for a plate are metal, wood or linoleum blocks, plexiglass, shellacked book boards, and lithographic stones.

This etched plate is placed under the rollers of the printmaking press. The rollers press the paper, fabric or other materials against the carved plate.

Variations such as the pressure used to turn the rollers, the concentration of the inks, and the surfaces of the pressed materials, account for the fact that each piece from one design is distinct and original.

A common practice is to destroy the designed plate, once the limited number of pieces produced is reached. Artists affix their signatures and number to each of these multiple and original artpieces.

Legendary artists such as Pablo Picasso, who created 1,000 pieces, Salvador Dali, Chagall, Matisse, Braque, Rouault, Joan Miró, Max Ernst, and Jan Arp among others, have used the creative printmaking press.

The use of creative printmaking presses, first gained recognition in the Western hemisphere in the 18th century. However, Chinese artists have been using this process since the 9th century.

The three traditional and most popular techniques are the following: Relief or bas printing, intaglio and lithography.

Today’s artists have put their stamp on this ancient art form with the use of modern, digital techniques.

Prices range for creative printmaking presses from $59.00 upwards to over $3,600.00 for the heavy-duty machines.

Whatever your budget is, you are sure to find the right artistic printmaking press to suit your needs. Follow in the footsteps of so many famous artists before you, and know that you are in good company.

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