Century Plate Lithography (PRI2121.02)

Corinne Rhodes

This class will introduce Bennington students to Non-toxic Century Plate lithography – a new, sustainable and environmentally friendly process using re-grainable Century Plates and biologically-based, biodegradable processing materials. Students who have learned to print with polyester lithographic plates (Pronto Plates) will really enjoy the richer tonality, reciprocity of mark-making, durability, ease of use and predictable results that Century Plates provide. Those who prefer working with lithographic limestones will like the similar surface texture we can create by hand-graining Century Plates. Unlike lithographic stones, these plates can be re-grained very quickly and easily and so help to create more fluidity and spontaneity in an artist’s’ working process. This new form of lithography is excellent for creating gestural, expressive images and producing multiple-color prints. No prior experience in lithographic or planographic printmaking is required to take this course. We will cover how to grain a new plate, registration methods, plate and paper preparation, drawing and painting directly on the plate with a variety of materials, etching, processing and proofing on a lithography press as well as how to clean and store an inked plate or re-grain a plate for a new image. Students will learn to print in black and colored inks, color mixing and how to create and print multiple plates of layered imagery.

Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 2
W 2:10pm - 6:00pm (second seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency:
This course is categorized as 2000, All courses, Areas of Study, Corinne Rhodes, Printmaking, Second Seven Week, Two Credit, Visual Arts, Wednesday Afternoons.