Prints Johns began experimenting with printmaking techniques in 1960, when Tatyana Grosman, the founder of Universal Limited Art Editions, Inc. (ULAE), invited him to her printmaking studio on Long Island. Beginning with lithographs that explore the common objects and motifs for which he is best known, such as Target (1960), Johns continued to work closely with ULAE, publishing over 180 editions in a variety of printmaking techniques to investigate and develop existing compositions. Initially, lithography suited Johns and enabled him to create print versions of iconic depictions of flags, maps, and targets that filled his paintings. In 1971, Johns became the first artist at ULAE to utilize the handfed offset lithographic press, resulting in Decoy — an image realized as a lithograph before it became a drawing or painting.
Prints Johns began experimenting with printmaking techniques in 1960 when Tatyana Grosman the founder of Universal Limited Art Editions Inc (ULAE) invited him to her printmaking studio on Long Island Beginning with lithographs that explore the common objects and motifs for which he is best known such as Target (1960) Johns continued to work closely with ULAE publishing over 180 editions in a variety of printmaking techniques to investigate and develop existing compositions Initially lithography suited Johns and enabled him to create print versions of iconic depictions of flags maps and targets that filled his paintings In 1971 Johns became the first artist at ULAE to utilize the handfed offset lithographic press resulting in Decoy — an image realized as a lithograph before it became a drawing or painting