Printmaking Handbook (8) (Artist's Bibles) - Softcover

WOODS, LOUISE

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0785824367 ISBN 13: 9780785824367

Publisher: Chartwell Books, 2008

Synopsis

This hardcover book with internal wire-o binding is 6.5in x 8in, a perfect size for readers to keep handy and reference often. The stylish design of this book, along with the interior photographs, illustrations and diagrams, make the learning process simple and fun for beginners and provides useful tips for more advanced readers.

This book is an invaluable introduction to printmaking methods, taking you step by step through the technical details as well as providing inspirational examples of prints in all media. Although some of the print processes have a long tradition and are carried out in much the same way as they always were, there can be no doubt that modern technology has made it easier to extend the potential of individual printmaking methods and to combine their efforts in multimedia images.

From relif printing to intaglio printing, and from lithography to screenprinting, The Printmaking Handbook has a wide range of information for anyone interested in printmaking. 

About this title

Review

Oct 08 Printmaking is a huge subject that includes many different techniques from basic linocut to engraving, intaglio and silkscreen. As soon as you get beyond the very basic, the equipment requirements mount up and some of the materials start to come with hazard warnings. A simple book such as this can really only scratch the surface (sorry, pun unavoidable) of something which rapidly becomes the realm of the professional and on which much larger and more authoritative books have been written, not to mention academic courses run. So where does this fit into the market? To describe it as superficial is unfair because the author makes a valiant attempt to include a reasonable amount of detail on each technique and it works well as a primer for someone who's starting out and wants to give printmaking a try. At the same time, that person is going to have to make a certain investment in equipments and materials and I'm not totally convinced that they'll get what they'd regard as a worthwhile return if their only source of instruction is a general introduction like this. I'd expect at least evening classes to be involved somewhere and that begs the question of whether a book like this will add anything to what they're already getting. However, to be more positive, if you're interested in printmaking and want an overview of the various types and techniques available before you take the plunge, this will fit the bill admirably. Louise Woods goes into more detail than you might expect and you'll get a very real sense of what's involved. It should also be possible to make a basic start using simple materials, although this is inevitably going to be a very limited progression. For what it is, this is sound. It's in the same format as the Artist's Bible series: that is to say, it's spiral bound, though I can't quite see the point of this as it's not really something you're going to need to keep open as you work. It feels nice in the hand, though, an often-neglected quality in books. Artbookreview.net

About the Author

Louise Woods is a highly experienced freelance editor and education writer. Practical Printmaking includes contributions from numerous experts in the field of printmaking, including lecturers and artists.

Edition details

• Publisher: Chartwell Books
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0785824367
• ISBN 13: 9780785824367
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Number of pages: 192