This document summarizes the key elements of printmaking - line, form, color, space, and texture. It explains that printmaking involves transferring an image from a printing matrix onto multiple copies. Each element is then defined in more detail, with examples provided. The elements can be applied during processes like drawing on the matrix or adding color afterwards. Using the elements helps make prints more interesting by adding texture, depth and creativity.
3. Printmaking:
Printmaking is transferring an image or
design from a matrix (block, plate, stone,
screen etc.) to multiple copies of an image
and/ or design.
There are multiple types of printmaking
which are relief printing, Intaglio,
planography (lithography) and finally
stencil serigraphy.
There are a couple of elements of
printmaking.
5. The Element of
Line:
The element of line is the most basic element in
printmaking.
Itâs a continuous mark made on a surface by a moving
point.
That mark can come in all shapes and sizes.
Types: real line, linear, implied line, and finally
painterly line.
6. The Element of
Form:
The element of form is really
interesting, itâs like a 3-Dimensial
version of a shape or object.
For example instead of doing a
triangle the artist would do a pyramid
instead.
7. The Element of
Color:
Color is created by the way we
interpret light.
Color has a huge impact on the
way the print is viewed and
interpreted.
Color consists of Intensity
which means brightness and
Value which is either lightness
or darkness.
8. The Element of
Space:
Space determines the way each object in
the image relates to the other, it also
makes it easier to locate where the
elements are.
Space is the distance between and
within objects in the images.
Thereâs negative space which is the
empty areas in an image and thereâs
positive space which is the the areas
that are filled.
Space between objects create depth!
9. The Element of
Texture:
Texture is the surface quality of an
object or the way it feels when
touched (smooth, rough, soft, hard
etc.)
There are two types of texture;
implied and real texture.
Implied: It suggested that the object
in the composition is smooth, rough
etc.
Real: what the object would feel like
when touched.
10. How are Elements Applied?
These elements can be easily applied some such as line,
space, and form can be applied when drawing, etching
or cutting the design/ image on a matrix.
Other elements such as texture and color are applied
after the drawing, cutting or etching is done, itâs
basically the painting process (for color) and the
process before transferring the image from the matrix
to multiple copies.
11. Why Use Elements?
Printmaking elements are elements provided for us to
help and guide us into making good, and creative
multiple copies of artistic images and/ or design.
We should use the elements of line, space, color, form
etc. to give the prints more texture, more value, more
depth, creativity and it makes it look much more
interesting than a print with none of the printmaking
elements.