a printmaking technique where the plate is carved between each layer, reducing the printing surface with each stage

being impenetrable to light, the opposite of transparent; in printmaking, it describes inks that completely cover underlying layers without allowing previous colours to show through

The printing of the plates: reduction printing

Art and design

Pupils will develop essential print making skills, explore connections between media and materials. They will learn to control various printmaking tools and be aware of the sustainability of their materials. They will recycle tetrapak and card to make their print blocks.

Being curious about printing

It uses multiple colours without changing the plate.

The plate is carved away after each print layer.

The same plate is used for every print with no changes.

Only one print can be made from the plate.

What is the key characteristic of a reduction print?

because thin layers do not show up on the paper

so the design can be clearly seen and does not become transparent

Why must the ink be applied in thick, opaque layers?

If ink is too wet, the design will be lost because ink will get into the ...

because artists want to make as many mistakes as possible

because prints can be improved and the process perfected

Why is trial and error important in the printmaking process?

repeating the process to improve the print

a technique used to create multiple copies of an image

Which is the most accurate statement to define printmaking?

a surface that is carved or altered for printing

the substance applied to the plate to create prints

Match the printmaking term to its definition.

Reduction printmaking involves {{ }} a plate between each layer to reduce the printing surface.

Which of these tools is **not** commonly used in printmaking?

because it’s impossible to make just one print

to make sure they have enough copies to sell

to refine the process and improve quality

Which are the most likely reasons artists create multiple prints?

It transfers ink from the plate to the paper.

Starter Quiz