Prints and printmaking
An intaglio print is obtained by incising a plate, block or other flat surface with the required image which is then covered with wet colour - normally ink - and then pressed onto another receptive flat surface such as fabric or paper. This procedure can be repeated many times until the plate or block loses its definition. The term intaglio covers several forms in which printmaking can be achieved, as does relief work. Here are explanations of just a few:

Collagraph
A collagraph is made by incorporating a low relief collage into an image such as an etching or engraving (see below).

Etching/Engraving
This is a method by which the artist cuts, or incises, his design into a material, normally copper plated metal, with a sharp tool, known as a graver. The image that the artist wants to achieve has to be incised in a mirror image. The incised metal plate is then inked. The plate is then wiped clean so that ink is only left in the incised area of the metal plate The plate is then run through a press and the ink pressed into the dampened paper, thus leaving the required image.





  Linocut
A linocut is a method by which the artist makes a relief, or elevated, image on a piece of linoleum which is then adhered to a wooden block. The raised area is then inked with a roller and the image then pressed onto paper.

Lithography This is a method of printing from a prepared flat surface such as stone, metal or, latterly, plastic plate. A drawing is made onto the relevant surface in crayon or tusche and then washed with water. When the ink is applied it sticks to the greasy area but not the rest of the surface. This allows a lithograph to be made from the drawing. The artist then covers the plate with paper and runs both through a press under light pressure. With colour lithographs a separate drawing is made for the application of each colour and the process repeated until the desired effect is achieved.

Silkscreen
Silkscreen is a stencil method of printing. An image is placed on a screen of silk or other fine fabric. The blank areas are coated with a water resistant substance and then ink is forced through the silk onto the desired surface. Prints made by this method are also known as screenprints or serigraphy.

Woodcuts As with linocuts, this is a relief method of printing. As the wood has a grain in it this can add a further dimension to the texture of the work.