Lithography: The Planographic Printmaking Process Explained

What is a planographic printmaking process in which a design is drawn onto a flat stone or prepared metal plate and affixed by means of a chemical reaction?

Answer:

Lithography

Lithography is the planographic printmaking process that employs a flat stone or metal plate, using a principle that repels oil and water, resulting in the transfer of a design to paper.

The planographic printmaking process in which a design is drawn onto a flat stone or prepared metal plate and affixed by a chemical reaction is known as lithography. This process utilizes the principle that oil and water do not mix. Firstly, the artist uses a grease pencil to draw on the stone, then acid is applied to etch the design into the stone. Ink is then spread over the surface, which adheres to the etched portions due to the oiliness of the medium. When the stone is pressed against paper, the ink transfers and creates the print. This technique offers unique textural and detail opportunities, allowing it to stand out among other printmaking methods such as relief painting and intaglio printing.