What exactly is a lithograph, and how is it made? In short, this is a copy of a work of art. However, most of the time, this is not merely a copy, but it is a licensed reproduction that is either made by the artist themselves or an entity that has possession of the original work and the rights to that piece. Not only does this type of a print come with a certificate of authenticity, but if it isn’t mass produced, the print itself could retain quite a value in the eyes of other art collectors.

In the past, this process was done through using metal, stone, or wood to carve or etch the image into it, and then the copy was pressed onto the desired material. Materials that were used and still are vary, but begin with the most popular and the most expensive which is canvas.

Other types of materials include wood, metal, paper, glass, and a variety of other types of surfaces. This is how far the lithograph has progressed from the earliest days.

Now it can be done with smooth surfaces such as zinc plates, aluminum, or stone. The surface of these sheets is chemically treated to retain the image, and then the paint is applied.

In order to have the image on the surface of the sheet that will be used as a template, sometimes a grease pencil or other sketching tool is used. There is no actual carving or etching required with today’s processes which differs greatly from how it was done in the beginning.

Inks used in the lithograph process are oil based. This allows for the paint to be applied, and then part of the process uses water to wash away the excess that isn’t needed for the image itself.

This is how the template begins to take shape. If this image is going to be a quality print of a painting, then it will require several different layers which will mean that this process will be repeated again. Up to twelve colors can be used but, typically it involves the use of four.

While there are many types of copies that may be available, do not automatically think that it is a lithograph unless it is indicated that it is. However, there are ways to know including asking the gallery owner. A signed copy will be numbered and will state that it is in fact a lithograph.

Many artists were eager to make these copies, and they are easily obtained while others did not like the idea of commercially producing copies of their work. So, they are harder to find. Some of these types of reproductions can be extremely valuable, however, they can also be just as rare and hard to find.

This is an option for the person who just cannot afford the original or, perhaps, cannot find it but wants something more than just a print of the work. This is the answer for the collector who is looking for a little more than just a mere copy.

Betz Gallery is an expert in Giclee , lithograph and custom framing.

Please visit us for any art work you may be looking for at http://www.betzgallery.com/

Author Bio: Betz Gallery is an expert in Giclee , lithograph and custom framing.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: lithograph, reproductions, art gallery on line, giclee, prints on canvas