Lithographs - The Ultimate Collectible

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Most people could not afford to own an original piece of artwork by Don Freeman but having a copy of one of his crayon or pen and ink drawings could be a very nice little collectible item. This is where all those Don Freeman lithographs come into play. A Don Freeman lithograph is an authorized copy of one of his original works. Created by the artist himself, as he was a prolific lithographer. Don Freeman lithographs are not worth more than the originals but if the print quality is good and the production numbers are low, it will still have significant value.

But wait, I should begin by explaining who Don Freeman is and what lithography is too. The process that created all those Don Freeman lithographs is different from everyday printing. Most presses need the printmaker to etch an image into metal plates or physically carve out the image on blocks of wood. To create his lithographs, Don freeman used a set of greasy crayons or pencils to draw a mirrored image of his original artwork onto a smooth stone tablet. He spent much of his lifetime doing this most time-consuming part of the lithography process.

After the image has been recreated to his satisfaction it is ready to be turned into a lithograph. The lithographic process hinges on the principle that oil and water won't mix. An oil-based variety of ink is applied directly to the plate and immediately bonds with the equally greasy crayon lines. Water is then wiped onto the remaining unpainted areas to discourage the ink from smearing. A sheet of cotton-based paper is then placed over the entire plate.

The inked metal plate and the paper are placed in a press and light pressure is used to transfer some of the ink. A color Don Freeman lithograph of an elaborate painting, might require several different runs with up to four different color inks -- black, red, yellow and blue. The same paper would be placed precisely over the re-inked plates, eventually creating Don Freeman lithograph copy to his exacting standards.

Don Freeman lithographs probably took just as much time as an original painting and printing runs were kept low to preserve value. A signed lithograph may have a set of numbers expressed as a fraction on one corner, such as 11/24. This means that the lithograph was the eleventh one produced in a series limited to twenty-four prints.

Don Freeman is best known as the author of "Corduroy" and other children's books. 2008 will bring the centenary of his birth. He is also well loved as a graphic artist who vividly portrayed the street life and theater world of New York City in the 1930's and 40's. The Don Freeman lithograph 'Saturday Night' (1934) has to be seen to be believed. It is a New York theatre foyer in winter. It is a crowd diverse characters, with men in hats, scarves and overcoats. Also women in furs with cigarette holders and a charming little Chihuahua in the foreground. It is endlessly fascinating.