Goodreads. Exploring the World of Printmaking
- Julie Mok
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Exploring Printmaking Through Inspiring Reads
Begin your journey into printmaking with a selection of recommended books that offer inspiration and guidance for both novices and seasoned artists. These titles provide a window into the creative possibilities and techniques of printmaking, encouraging readers to experiment and expand their art practice.
Within these books, you’ll find beautifully reproduced prints by master printmakers, showcasing their unique approaches and artistic achievements. In addition to visual inspiration, the authors share practical insights into various printmaking methods and applications. This list is work in progress and designed to stimulate creativity and foster a deeper appreciation for the art form, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in printmaking.
'Reframing Women Printmakers' by P.L.Henderson
Published 2025 by Supernova Books
272 pages, paperback
*****
Henderson brings a new depth of understanding to the historical, social and economic realities of women in art within the specific arena of printmaking. The book is a seamless interweaving of stories from female pioneers espousing feminist ideals to women printmakers throughout history. She starts from its early inception in China and Japan
ukiyo-e wood block to the present day. Henderson’s approach comes at a time of growing demand for re-examination and re-inclusion of women in art and art history. She shares stories from artists such as Cassatt to Kllowitz and Catlett to Kusama - their work, approach to printmaking and techniques. Best of all, Henderson faithfully reproduces artwork in scale and quality to truly reflect their artistry. From beginner to experienced printmaker this is a recommended read and will provide inspiration for your own artistic journey. As a handy paperback edition, it’s easy dip in and out of book and would make a great addition to your art library.
'Expressive Printmaking. A Creative Guide' by Mary Dalton
Published 2022. The Crowood Press
208 pages, paperback
*****
Mary’s book does not disappoint and will appeal to novices and experienced printmakers alike. She covers an array of printmaking techniques by hand and by press which can be followed at home. Ideal for educators and artists looking to expand their portfolio or share in workshops. Each printmaking technique is explained stage by stage like a pictorial storyboard. Mary empowers you to create the most ethereal marks and textual impressions and pushes you beyond your comfort zone. She introduces basic relief work, dry point, collage, mokulito to lithino whilst expanding the use of inks / colour and paper. In the end, she encourages artists to consider incorporating printmaking beyond its execution on paper into sculptural and mixed media presentations. I'll be experimenting with these techniques in my own art practice. My only grumble, the small images didn’t clearly show the techniques, but the large final image helped compensate.
'Printmaker’s Secrets' by Anthony Dyson
Published 2009. A&C Black Publishers Ltd
160 pages, paperback
***
Anthony comes from an impressive printmaking pedigree and has worked in and around master printmakers, hence a highly anticipated read. Initially, disappointed by the term ‘secrets’ in the title as the book serves more as an impressive collaboration and compilation of shared experiences and lessons from master printmakers (he addresses this issue directly in the introduction and explains his choice of title). Personally, I was seeking an illustration of these ‘flashes of creative insights’ into ‘technical solutions’ towards print, rather we are offered up in-depth descriptions. Nevertheless, the faithful reproduction of these beautiful masterpieces spans a double spread for each artist. Delighted to gain insight into some of my favourites - Margaret Ashman, Nana Shiomi, Eileen Cooper, Anita Klein and more from London’s Royal Society of Painters-Printmakers (RE). Book will remain a source of inspiration and springboard for future creative choices. Exploring the world of printmaking.
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