Fine Art Printmaking is an art form that is "hands-on" and utilizes many different tools, processes and materials. ( It has nothing to do with your home computer and photo printerl) Second, Printmaking is a broad term used to describe the process of creating a picture or "print". Under the practice of printmaking are methods such as etching, drypoint, monotype, blockprinting, etc... Each one being unique. For instance, one of my favorite printmaking processes is etching... The artist begins by coating a properly prepared sheet of zinc or copper with a waxy layer of what is called "ground". Once the ground is applied and dry, a design is drawn onto the plate by removing the wax using a metal tool called a stylus (very pointy carving tool). The plate is then submerged into a shallow dish of acid and watched carefully as the etching of the metal begins. In essence the metal is being "eaten away" where there is no wax. Once etched, the plate is removed and cleaned. Now the ink is applied until the etched areas have filled with ink. The unetched spaces are properly cleaned of ink and buffed to the artists liking. The plate is then placed ink side down onto a damp piece of paper and rolled through a press. When lifted, the paper is imprinted with the ink and your print is laid to dry. Once you have the plate etched there are subsequently many other techniques to apply at many different stages of printing. Of my images below, the first four in the left hand group are all etchings.