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Fine Arts · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Lithography

Lithography is built on the simple principle that oil and water do not mix. This technically demanding course teaches “Planographic” printing using traditional Limestone and modern Aluminum plates. Students will learn the chemistry of the etch—using gum arabic and nitric acid to fix grease images onto the stone—allowing for drawings that range from delicate crayon sketches to deep tusche washes.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master the "Grain & Etch" process: Preparing the limestone surface
  2. Understand Lithographic Chemistry: Nitric Acid, Gum Arabic, and pH levels
  3. Execute drawing techniques: Litho Crayon, Tusche Wash (reticulation), and Manière Noire
  4. Print consistent editions: Controlling ink/water balance (The Roll Up)
  5. Troubleshoot common issues: Scumming, Filling in, and Image loss
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Chemistry of Lithography: Oil vs. Water
  2. 02Graining the Stone: Carborundum Grits
  3. 03Drawing Materials: Grease Pencil & Crayon
  4. 04The Etch I: Calculating Acid Strength
  5. 05The Etch II: Processing & Gumming
  6. 06The Roll Up: Inking the Stone
  7. 07Printing the Edition: Pressure & Paper
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Aluminum Plate Lithography (Algraphy)
  10. 10Photo-Lithography Plates
  11. 11Color Lithography: Registration
  12. 12Tusche Wash: Creating Reticulation (Texture)
  13. 13Manière Noire: Subtractive Drawing
  14. 14Transfer Paper Techniques
  15. 15Troubleshooting: Scumming & Ghosting
  16. 16Final Project: The Stone Lithograph Edition

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Stone Lithograph Edition

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Tamarind Book of Lithography: Art & Techniques by Marjorie Devon
  2. Stone Lithography by Paul Croft
  3. Plate Lithography by Paul Croft
  4. Lithography: A Complete Guide by Mary Kirkig
  5. Alois Senefelder: The Invention of Lithography (Historical Context)
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