The term print is often used to refer to commercially reproduced images, like posters. However, a fine art print is one where the artist participates in the creation of the image and approves the impressions. I drew and printed each and every print in this collection.

Unlike a number of different types of printmaking techniques that rely on incised or carved lines, the lithographic process deals with the repulsion of grease and water. A lithographic print is generally made when a press is used to transfer an image that was created initially on a metal plate to paper. It requires the chemical interaction of grease, nitric acid, gum arabic, and water on a chemically prepared plate.

An artist uses crayons, pencils, and washes with a high grease content to draw an image, in reverse, on a prepared fine-grained aluminum plate. The finished drawing is chemically treated to stabilize the image for printing. Then the plate is inked up and the paper is carefully placed on the plate. Next, the plate is run through the printing press. Finally, the paper is removed and the new print is allowed to dry.

Each print is identified with two numbers separated by a slash, such as 5/6, which we read to say “5 of 6.” The bottom number tells you how many prints were made in this series or edition. In this case there were a total of six prints made. The top number tells you the specific designation for this print. Here, this print in the fifth print made out of six.