Art, Paper, Prints and Painting

Lithography is one of the most fascinating and historic printmaking techniques. Developed in the late 18th century, it was once the medium of choice for artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, and Käthe Kollwitz. Today, it remains a powerful way to create rich, textured prints with endless creative possibilities. If you’re curious about getting started, here’s what you need to know. What is Lithography? At its core, lithography works on the principle that oil and water don’t mix. Traditionally, artists draw directly onto a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy medium. The surface is then treated chemically so that the drawn areas attract ink while the blank areas repel it. When dampened, the plate or stone can be rolled with ink and pressed to paper, producing beautiful, repeatable images. What You’ll Need to Begin Lithography does require some specialised tools and materials. If you’re new, it’s worth joining a community print studio where the heavy equipment is already available. B...

  Why Try Lithography? Lithography offers a unique combination of freedom and control. You can work with detailed line drawing, painterly washes, or bold, graphic shapes. The textures and layers are unlike anything digital printing can replicate. Plus, it connects you with centuries of printmaking tradition. Tips for Beginners Start by taking a workshop—handling the materials makes everything click. Work at a shared print studio if possible, since presses and stones are heavy and expensive. Don’t be afraid of mistakes; lithography is as much about learning the process as making finished prints. Lithography can feel a little intimidating at first, but once you’ve tried it, the magic of seeing your first image come off the press is unforgettable. Whether you’re an artist, a printmaker, or just someone curious about traditional crafts, lithography is a rewarding way to combine drawing, chemistry, and creativity. Next post will be a beginners guide on how to start the process of lithog...

An original" or "fine art" prints as defined by the Print Council of America as an image drawn or etched or engraved on some surface by the artist, who prints a limited number of the pieces by hand (or personally supervises someone else doing it), then signs and numbers the individual prints and defaces the printing plate or erases the image on the lithographic stone.  So original art is not a reproduction nor a copy.  For example it can be an etching, a lithograph or a screen print produced in a limited edition by the artist if possible or if not it has been supervised by the artist. Each print is signed and numbered by the artist. Often it has the printers stamp on the reverse or bottom corner.  How can you tell if it's an original and not a copy or reproduction? Get a magnifying glass and look carefully at the print. If it is an etching, it is pretty easy. First it will always have a plate mark around the image. This is a sort or relief or indent in...