Spring 2003

Objectives

To investigate and explore the aesthetic possibilities of the lithographic printmaking process.
Historical analysis, lecture demonstrations and printing assignments prepare the student to explore the process within the context of the observed form.
The final goal for this course is for each student to draw and print three different images in small edition formats.  Imagery for the three editions is to evolve from drawings formed from observation of personally selected subject matter.

Brief overview of the course to include a discussion of the process of lithography, materials, course requirements, assignments and attendance policy.  Examination and discussion of undergraduate and graduate prints from the instructor’s collection.  Examination and discussion of Tamarind lithographs from the instructor’s collection.

Lecture/Demonstration:  Graining Procedure
Preparing the lithographic stone for drawing.  Demonstration of the proper methods of removing the image, leveling the stone and placing a fine grain on the stone surface to accept drawing material.
Lecture/Demonstration:  Placing the Image on the Stone
Demonstration of lithographic drawing materials and techniques, transfer methods, development of a test stone for future printing.

Lecture/Demonstration:  The Etch:  Chemical Treatment of the Drawing and Stone
A technical discussion of the chemistry of the etch process.  Demonstration of the roll-up procedure, proper preparation of the leather roller, preparation of printing ink and discussion of ink modifiers, the etch chart, proper rolling techniques and patterns, identification of problems and solutions during the etch and roll-up, the second etch.

Lecture/Demonstration:  Tusche Washes:  Painterly Techniques in Lithography
Proper mixture and application of tusche drawing materials with solvent and water to create painterly effects on the stone.
Lecture/Demonstration:  Printing Paper and Registration Systems
Discussion of the hand-made paper process, proper preparation of printing paper and registration methods.

Lecture/Demonstration:  Printing the Image
A complete discussion and demonstration of press preparation, press operation and the printing of the test stone developed in previous weeks in edition format.
Individual critiques:  each student meets with the instructor to review and discuss preparatory drawings for the three editions of lithographs planned for the semester.

Printing Assignments:  each student is assigned a specific date to print his or her first image.  It is the student’s responsibility to be prepared to print on this date.  This means that the image has been drawn on the stone, etched, rolled up in ink and a second etch applied.  All printing paper should be properly torn and prepared with registration marks.  Two students will print during each class session until the entire class has completed this phase of the assignment.

Studio time:  students are given two class sessions to complete the image on the stone.

Individual Printing Assignments:  two students print on the press. Assessment of the image after printing session.  Two students etch and roll-up in preparation for their printing assignment.  Remaining students work on drawings, grain stones, observe the printing procedure.

Same as eighth week.

Same as eighth and ninth week

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