5 Types of Art Reproduction Methods You Should Try

Many professional artists choose to sell reproductions of their art to their audience and followers. Many reasons to sell reproductions exist, including not wanting to part with your original pieces or wanting to offer a more affordable option for your audience. Here are five types of art reproduction methods you should try if you’re ready to step into the printing process.

Giclee Printing

Giclee printing is one of the most common art reproduction methods we use today. Both professional artists and everyday consumers can access giclee printing services and techniques by using a high-quality printer. Giclee printing uses large format digital printers that spray ink precisely onto your chosen print material for a detailed and saturated piece. Giclee printers are compatible with a wide range of print materials, including everything from smooth fine art paper to textured canvas. Modern artists commonly use these printing services to create reproductions to sell to their audience. Art galleries also commonly display fine art giclee prints on canvas for showings and events.

Relief Printing Techniques

Two main relief printing techniques exist, woodcutting and linocutting. Woodcutting involves using hand or power tools to cut into a block of wood, carving out an image or design. Linocutting involves cutting into a softer linoleum material with a knife or blade to create a design. With both techniques, the artist places a piece of paper or material directly onto the inked cuts and presses it by hand or with a press to create a print.

Intaglio Printmaking

Several intaglio printmaking methods exist, including engraving, etching, mezzotint, aquatint, and photogravure. While each of these methods has unique characteristics, the basics of each require cutting and carving an image or design into the surface of a plate. These plates usually consist of metals, such as zinc, copper, and other soft metals. An artist uses sharp hand tools and even acid in some cases to etch and cut into the metal plate.

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a popular printing method that creates more than art prints. Some industries use screen printing to design fabrics and clothing with designs, logos, and branding. However, artists can also use screen printing to reproduce their artwork on a variety of materials. With screen printing, you can treat a screen frame with a cured emulsion to create a design using negative space. You apply ink to the screen and force it through the holes in the screen with a squeegee. Repeat this process with as many layers and colors as you need for your reproduction.

Collagraph Printing

Collagraph printing is like creating a collage. You can arrange a variety of materials and textures to create an image. Then, using a relief printing technique, you can create a reproduction of this design. This method is unique because it often only creates one reproduction, making it a “monoprint” technique.

You should give these top five art reproductions a try as an artist. Consider giclee printing if you’re looking for an efficient way to create reproductions for your audience. At The Stackhouse, we offer giclee printing on fine art paper and canvas so that you can provide your audience with a variety of high-quality prints. Learn more about giclee printing or start your art reproduction plans today with The Stackhouse.