The Process of creating an Original Mylar Lithograph

Overview

Creating an original lithograph is a very time consuming, labor intensive effort requiring great precision. The artist has to create a separate drawing for each and every color that will be used in the final image. Each drawing is then transferred to its own aluminum plate. Each plate is then run through the printing press to transfer its color to the paper. Thus, multiple drawings and multiple press runs are required to create a single original artwork.

Details

To begin the process of creating an original lithograph, the artist makes a drawing for each of the colors to be used in the final artwork. Traditionally, these drawings were made directly on the aluminum plates, but with Mylar lithography, the initial drawings are made on translucent, plastic-like sheets of the substance known as Mylar. These drawings are usually done using a graphite pencil or airbrush, although ink washes and a number of other methods are equally effective.
	Dennis drawing on Mylar with pencil
Each mylar drawing is then contacted directly to a light-sensitive, continuous tone aluminum plate. And ultraviolet light is passed through the Mylar, transferring the drawn image to the plate.
	Drawings on Mylar, done as overlays
After developing, the plate is next mounted on the press. Inks, which have been pre-mixed much the same as paints on a palette, are applied to the press, and when the image and color have created the desired effect, the edition is printed. This process is repeated with each subsequent color, until the artist is satisfied with the completed image.
	Mounting the plate
The term "offset" in printing parlance refers to the transfer of the image from an inked plate to a rubber blanket, and then to paper. (In direct lithography, by comparison, the image is transferred directly from the plate or stone to the paper.) The advantage of the offset process exists in its ability to hold delicate tonal qualities not possible in direct lithography. The registration is also superior to that of the direct presses, allowing multiple runs with a single plate. This is useful in modifying or adding density to color, by printing it more than once, either over the entire image, or in specific areas.
	Inked plate with press blanket

Artist's Proofs

During the printing process, approximately every tenth print is pulled out by the artist to verify that it has the desired tonal qualities, and that the color registration is perfect. These prints, known as "Artist's Proofs", are held out from the rest of the edition by the artist, and are labeled "A/P", where the other prints are numbered. Some collectors prize these proofs above the other prints in the edition. At
db Gallery, the Artist's Proofs are available at the same price as the rest of the edition. If you desire one, just email us (info@dbGallery.com) when you place your order, and we'll be happy to oblige.

Example: If you're still "hanging around," and you want to see the results of this step-by-step process of creating an original work of art, please click here.