Heron – Stone Lithography

$1,200.00

edition 10 with 3 artist proofs

Framed

STONE LITHOGRAPHY is a printmaking process that utilizes the principle that oil and water don't mix. Artists draw on a smooth, flat stone (traditionally limestone .. I used Bavarian Limestone) with a greasy substance (I used litho-crayons #3 & #5 as well an Omni-chrome pencil). The stone is then treated with a chemical solution (gum arabic & nitric acid) that makes the non-greasy areas receptive to water, while the greasy areas repel it. When inked, the oil-based ink will adhere only to the grease drawing, and this image can then be transferred to paper (I used BFK paper).

The process:

1. Preparing the Stone:
The lithographic stone is ground to create a smooth, even surface. This surface is then carefully grained to provide a texture that will hold a thin layer of water during printing.

2. Drawing:
The artist draws on the prepared stone with a greasy substance, such as a lithographic crayon, lithographic ink, or tusche (a liquid drawing material).

3. Chemical Etching:
The stone is treated with a mixture of gum arabic and a weak acid solution. This process fixes the drawing to the stone and creates a chemical barrier that repels ink in the non-image areas.

4. Inking:
The stone is dampened with water, which adheres to the etched areas. Oil-based ink is then rolled onto the stone. The ink is repelled by the wet areas and adheres only to the greasy drawing.

5. Printing:
A sheet of paper is placed on the inked stone, and pressure is applied to transfer the image. This can be done with a press or by hand.

6. Multiple Colours:
For multi-colour prints, separate stones are prepared for each colour, and the paper is passed through the press multiple times, with each colour being added sequentially. (I printed all colours on the same stone after the ‘black’ was printed .. applying and wiping the coloured ink(s) to create a tonal transition that was unique for each print).