Printmaking

A print is a artwork made on a block (printing

surface) that is covered with wet color (usually
ink) and then pressed onto a flat surface, such
as paper or fabric. Most prints can be produced
over and over again by re-inking the printing
block.

Relief Print
A printing method in which a block (printing
surface), is incised into to create an image
un-carved, raised areas receive ink which
transfers to another surface when the block is
pressed against it.

Incise
Cutting into a surface

Numbered Print
A numbered print is part of a limited edition
series which has been numbered by hand by the
artist. The numbering is usually in the form of
x/y, where y stands for the total number of
prints in this edition and x represents the
specific number of the print.

Trial Proof
An impression made to see what the print looks
like at that stage of development, after which
the artist may go back to the block and change
it.

Ink
Coloring material composed of pigment (color) ,
a binder, and a vehicle. Ink is usually
thicker than most paints, and has a slower
drying rate.

Negative Space
Non-Image Area
Negative space: Alternate term for White space.

Non-image area: Portion of mechanical,

negative, or plate that will not print.

Gouge
(noun) A beveled chisel with a troughlike cutting
edge, used to incise designs for printing. There
are different shapes like rounded and V.