Planning the Multicolor Lithograph

The Pre-Planned Approach

In this approach, the artist has a good idea of what the final print should look like. He/she knows how many and which colors will be in the image, as well as the sequence of their printing.

Frequently, with the pre-planned approach, all or most of the colorplates are created before the printing/proofing begins. In this case, the colorplates can be proofed (and adjusted) before printing the edition. With this approach, the artist is free to make adjustments as much as desired before committing to the printing of the edition.

At other times, a key drawing has been produced that is complete enough to allow the colorplates to be created one at a time and printed sequentially. This might be necessitated when only one stone is available and the artist wants the colorplates to all be stone images. In this event, each colorplate must be grained after printing, in order to make room for the next. Obviously, with this approach the artist is committed to each color run and cannot change or redo what has already been printed.

Donna McDermott, No Title, 1985, 10" x 10"

The Improvisational Approach

In this approach, the artist does not know precisely what the final image will look like. Instead, the artist develops the image by responding to things as they happen. For example, this could happen when the artist employs chance and spontaneity to create an initial drawing that, once completed, will suggest choices (i.e., about color, design, concept, and etc.) that were not previously conceived of. Accordingly, the artist creates subsequent color plates based upon what was learned from the first.

Working improvisationally, the artist creates the colorplates as the image develops. As with the pre-planned approach, the artist can either create all of the colorplates before commencing with printing the final edition, or he/she can create and print each colorplate sequentially. The latter approach is much more risky.

Terry Moody, Awakening, 1991, 7" x 10"