GLOSSARY / TECHNIQUES

Limited Edition
A quantity of prints that use the same kind of paper, same pressure, ink, and printing registration. The prints are signed and numbered by the artist with a pencil on the bottom of the image to emphasise the number of the impression obtained from that particular plate and the total quantity of prints of the final edition. The standard way to number an edition is by placing the number of the print over the entire size of the edition. i.e. 3/20. AP (artists proof) and PP (printers proofs) are prints set aside for the artist and printers own use.

Etching
An intaglio technique where lines are created through the use of acids. Initially a ground is applied to the plate, the drawing is made on top of the ground exposing the raw metal and then submerged in acid for the bite to occur. A print is made by inking the incised lines and recessed textures of a plate wiping the surface, placing damp paper over the plate, and running it through an etching press.

Photogravure
A photographic negative is projected onto a metal plate covered with a light sensitive varnish, the plate is then bathed in acid, inked and printed in the same way as an etching, resulting in a photographic reproduction with a velvety satin-like finish.

Woodcut
A relief technique where the drawing is made on a wooden plank or block. The unwanted areas are cut away with a cutting tool. When inked, the uncut surface takes the ink and the image is transferred to paper.

Linocut
The same technique as woodcut only, the drawing is carved on linoleum which is a softer material.

Serigrapha
print made using a stencil process in which an image or design is superimposed on a very fine mesh screen and printing ink is squeegeed onto the printing surface through the area of the screen that is not covered by the stencil