Ventis Modern Art

WHAT IS A PRINT?

An original print is a work of art on paper which has been conceived by the artist to be realized as a print, rather than as a photographic reproduction of a work in another medium. Prints are produced by drawing or carving a composition on a hard surface (the matrix) such as a wood block, metal plate, or stone. This surface is then inked and the image is transferred to paper by the application of pressure, thus creating an "impression” or print. Unlike paintings or drawings, prints usually exist in multiple impressions, each of which is pulled from the inked surface. The total number of impressions made is called an edition. Artists began to sign and number each impression around the start of the 20th century.

IFPDA

Aquataint

An etching process in which tone is created by treating a plate with fine particles of acid-resistant material and then placing the plate in an acid bath. The bath disolves the plate where not covered. When printed the mass of fine particles produces a textured finish with tonal effects simsilar to watercolour wash.

Burr

During the process of engraving with a drypoint needle directly into a metal plate fine pieces of metal are raised up on either side of the sored line. During the printing process this raised metal holds ink creating a fuzzy texture to the line known as Burr. This delicate texture is worn away by the printing process and consequently as more prints are taken it becomes less noticeable. Burr can therefore be utilised as an aid to understanding how early the impression was taken.

Carborundum

This is the trade name for silican carbide the particles of which when mixed together with glue can be used as a drawing medium on print plates. Ink is held in position between the particles during the printing process producing textured prints caused by the raised surface of the printing surface.

Collotype

A photographic process that relies on the exposure of photo sensitive gelatine. The gelatine is coated onto a glass plate which after washing and inking is placed in a printing press. The image created is one of subtly changing colour tones however the image soon breaks down and only short runs are possible.

Egg Tempera

Egg tempera is a process that uses egg yolk to bind paint pigments. The finely ground pigment, water and dilute egg yolk is manufactured by the artist. The resulting tempera is then applied, obeying the optical laws of egg tempera. The artist also has to prepare carefully the surface on which to apply the tempera. The unique luminescent surface of egg tempera is thus achieved.

Etching

A plate is treated with an acid resistant ground in which an impression is drawn with special tools to expose the metal. The plate is placed in an acid bath where the exposed lines are dissolved. The metal plate is thus carved by the acid and not by any tool.

Gouache

A water based medium utilising pigment in much high quantities than used in water colours. Chalk is sometimes added to the mix to increase texture. Gouache provides a much subtler colour palette than conventional oil based colours.

Lithograph

A process whereby a drawing is made onto a smooth surface with a crayon or other greasy material. The srface is then washed with water and printing ink applied.The ink adhers to the geasy drawing and is expelled by the water washed surface.The image is then printed.

Llambda Print

Digital laser imaging on photographic paper delivering outstanding picture clarity.

Monotype

A unique image created from an unworked smooth metal or glass surface painted in ink by the artist.

Monoprint

An etching, lithograph print or linocut print that is uniquly altered by additional colouring secondary inking or alternative paper colours.

Photo-Etching

Creating an image on an etching plate by photographic means.