Like all types of printmaking lithography allows the artist to transfer an image from one surface to another. Aloys Senefelder first introduced the technique of lithography.
Lithography is done with special materials.
The artist uses the flat surface of a lithographic stone to draw with waxy or greasy materials. These are called lithographic crayons. Once the drawing is complete, the artist wets the stone. The stone absorbs the water in all areas except where the lithographic crayon has been applied. Then the artist inks the stone with an oil based ink.