A woodblock print, by Albrecht Durer . The pictures below illustrate two steps in the process of stone lithography . Original fine art limited edition prints are not to be confused with reproductions of existing works of art in other mediums that are frequently mistakenly referred to as prints . Original prints are most often referred to by the printing technique that was used to produce them such as etching, lithograph, or silkscreen. Sometimes a combination of these terms is used because the artist has chosen to combine processes to achieve the desired results.
Artists create images specifically for original prints.
Each print is signed and numbered by the artist. A Woodcut is a relief print. The process was used as early as the 1400's in Europe. The image is cut into a block of wood with straight or scooped knives called gouges. The raised uncut surface holds the ink.