Planography refers to printing methods that involve the use of a flat printing surface, as opposed to raised or engraved surfaces like those used in relief or intaglio printing. Lithography is considered a planographic printing technique.

Here’s an example of an artist creating a lithographic print using a metal plate:

And finally, the moment we’ve been waiting for – it’s time to transfer the ink onto the paper! I place the paper onto the surface and press it down with a printing press, creating a beautiful lithograph print.

This is followed by the application of colored greasy ink, which sticks only to the treated areas that contain the ghost image.

I dampen the stone with water, and the water is only absorbed by areas where there is no drawing.

Now it’s time to bring our design to life!

To make the ghost image receptive to grease, I buff asphaltum into the surface until it’s just right.

At this point, the stone has been transformed into soap (oleo-manganate of lime) – pretty cool, huh?

The drawing material is washed out with lithotine, leaving behind a ghost image on the stone’s surface.

Then, I buff the gum arabic evenly using cheesecloth. I use materials like gum arabic and TAPEM to create areas where the stone will receive water.

After that, it’s time for some chemical magic.

Once the drawing is complete, I apply rosin and talc to establish the drawing inside the stone – this is called an etch.

Next, it’s time to get creative! I use greasy materials like litho pencils or lithographic crayons to draw my design directly onto the surface of the stone.

Then, I get to work preparing the stone by cleaning and polishing it until it’s pristine clean.

I start by selecting a flat lithographic stone (bavarian limestone) that’s perfect for holding both grease and water.

Let me take you on a journey through my lithographic process! (Before we dive in, let me explain that lithography is a printing method that relies on the simple fact that oil and water don’t mix.)

Today, lithography remains an important medium for both commercial and fine art printing. Artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró used lithography to create some of their most iconic works. In the 20th century, lithography became a popular medium for fine art as well.

It was especially popular for printing posters, advertisements, books, and sheet music. Lithographs quickly gained popularity as a medium for printing images and illustrations, and by the mid-1800s, it had become one of the most popular forms of commercial printing. He initially developed the process as a cheap and efficient way to print his plays, which he was unable to afford to publish using traditional methods. Lithography was a printing technique invented in 1796 by German playwright and actor Alois Senefelder.

Conclusion: Should You Choose a Lithograph?.

Lithograph fine art