Introduction to Lithography

Overview

• Lithography, also known as stone printing, is an intricate printmaking process.
• It leverages the principle that grease and water resist each other.
• The process involves drawing on a lithographic stone with greasy materials.

Materials Used

• Drawing Materials:
  • Litho Pencils: Lower numbers indicate greasier and waxier materials; higher numbers for fine, hard lines.
  • Lithographic Crayons: Available in various sizes and hardnesses, can be used for rubbing or fine lines.
• Lithographic Stone:
  • Made from limestone, receptive to both grease and water.
  • Drawing surface is responsive and sculptural, allows removal of material with tools like razor blades or sandpaper.

Drawing Process

• An artist draws directly on the stone using greasy materials.
• The stone is chemically treated to define areas for water and grease.
• Key materials used in chemical treatment:
  • Gum Arabic: Establishes non-image areas.
  • Rosin and Talc: Used in etching.

Etching Process

• First Etch:
  • Gum Arabic is applied to stone to define non-image areas.
  • Acidified Gum Arabic (with tannic acid) helps bond it to the stone.
  • Cooling the stone involves reducing acid quantity using fresh gum arabic buffed with cheesecloth.
• Proving the Stone:
  • Drawing material is washed out with a greasy solvent (lithotene).
  • Asphaltum replaces drawing material to create an ink-receptive base.
  • Results in a ghost image or residue visible on the stone.

Printing Process

• Wet the stone surface and apply ink.
• Ink is initially forced into the stone, not transferred to paper.
• Requires 4-6 newsprints before full inking is achieved.
• Printing on dampened paper affects tonal range, aiming to replicate the movement and flow of the hand in drawing.

Key Characteristics of Lithographic Printing

• Detailed and subtle prints can be achieved.
• The process allows for sculptural drawing, beyond the limitations of paper.
• A good impression is characterized by the visible movement of the hand in the drawing material.