Big Idea -
Printmaking
in Paris
In 2025, Cristina journeyed to Paris to work at the famous IDEM lithography studio established in 1886.
Read more below . . .
Lithography workshop at IDEM, Paris, 2025 — Watching the first print run of my lithograph.
Edition of 50 prints were created and will be released for sale.
Lithography,
Paris 2025
The art of Printmaking has been a favoured medium of mine since University, I learned and loved the print techniques of etching, screen and block printing but there was one printmaking technique known as lithography that was not on offer. Hence, there’s always been an underlying desire (or need) to get my teeth into it.
Lithography is a different process as the design is applied with sticky crayon, paint or ink directly onto a levelled piece of thick limestone. The image is absorbed by the stone and the sticky medium holds onto the ink to create the image. The drawing is then printed onto paper via a printing press. The advantage of this print process is that it can capture hand drawn fine detail and texture so it is ideally suited to my art practice of intuitive line and mark making.
Upon reading and seeing photographs of a surviving Lithography studio known as IDEM in Paris operating since 1880’s I was determined to make contact and apply my hand.
After numerous attempts to contact via email without success, I just booked a ticket to Paris and knocked on the door on October, 3, 2025. Fortunately, I was greeted with interest and enthusiasm and informed two other Aussies had preceded me.
So I could fulfil my ‘longing’ the IDEM team squeezed me in, thankfully!
Look right and check out the vision of this space, five gigantic presses which look more like train engines than print machines, (only cranes could move them) well greased cranks, cogs and levers. Walls are decked from floor to ceiling with used limestone blocks dated and catalogued, reams of stacked high quality hand made arches paper stacked at the ready, artists working with heads down and a team of professional printmakers working to the rhythm of heavy rollers and equipment. Over head there are glass and iron skylights from the victorian era.
I still feel in awe,
At this point I have completed the design on stone, it is slowly drying so that a layer of gum arabic combined with a touch of nitric acid can seal it as well as, enable ink to be applied for printing.
On Monday, October 20, I watched while the registration of the stone on the presses undertaken, then - inking up, colour and tone proofing and the grand finale of running off an edition of 50 prints.
The Affordable Art Fair Melbourne
Black Gallery is participating in the Affordable Art Fair in Melbourne from August 31 to September 3.
Visit our stand E8 just near the cafe!
Our stand will showcase the best works by Cristina Doyle, Jacqueline Joosen and Roy Wilkins.
Art of Lino Printing, May 20, 2022
A group of great people joined our May 20 printmaking workshop.
The results for first timers was truly inspiring.
The day commenced with drawing a design, then transferring the design onto the lino block.
Cutting into the lino was the next step ensuring that areas that remained were to print black.
It was important to roll up the lino block with just the right amount of ink; too much and it fills the lines, too little and the print lacks opacity.
Placing it on the press bed and rolling it through ensued.
And then it was the big reveal!
A group of great people joined our May 20 printmaking workshop.
The results for first timers was truly inspiring.
The day commenced with drawing a design, then transferring the design onto the lino block.
Cutting into the lino was the next step ensuring that areas that remained were to print black.
It was important to roll up the lino block with just the right amount of ink; too much and it fills the lines, too little and the print lacks opacity.
Placing it on the press bed and rolling it through ensued.
And then it was the big reveal!
Second storey completed
Our gallery size has been doubled and is now choc-o-block with new work. Two floors of multi-coloured walls allow visitors and art plenty of space to breathe.
New opening hours 11-4pm Friday to Sunday offers more time to contemplate it too!
Hope to see you soon!
Cristina
It was an exciting moment watching this sculpture being hoisted into position.
Thanks David Bromley and Oz Trans.
Every gallery needs a signature sculpture to say I’m here and I’m serious about art!
Art Money
Now available at Black Gallery
Why is Art Money a significant development for black gallery?
If you love a painting, you can take it home with a 10% deposit.
Pay the rest in 10 payments over 10 months using Art Money.
(The interest is paid by the Gallery).
What is Art Money?
Art Money pays for the ART you want upfront enabling you to take the painting you desire home that day.
How do I access Art Money?
1. Apply
Go to artmoney.com and select ‘Get Started’.
Complete the easy online application and request a credit limit to suit your art budget, from $750.
Approval is provided in REAL TIME.
2. Choose
Login to your Art Money account and select ‘Buy Artwork’
Enter invoice price, deposit amount and select the Gallery.
Enter your repayment details (bank account or credit card)
3. Buy
Take your art home
Pay a minimum 10% deposit to the gallery
The gallery will complete a few simple steps
Take your ART HOME
You are invited . . .
black gallery will open to the general public on Saturday, December 14 but, the Sunday before black gallery is having an opening celebration and, you are invited to attend.
Simply RSVP to secure entry.
Between 3 and 5pm black gallery will be serving refreshments and a preview of the studio and exhibition space.
.