 ETCHING
This technique consists in the exposure of a metal plate to corrosive
acid. On a plate protected by varnish, a drawing is made with an etching
needle. The parts free of varnish will receive the effect of the acid.
The results of this technique are clean and sharp lines. The majority
of indirect techniques are based on etching.
|
 |
AQUATINT
Resin dust is sprinkled over the plate. The resin is heated which makes
it stick to the unprotected areas of the plate. The acid acts around the
resin and provokes a grained effect on the plate. This technique is used
to create areas of flat colour as well as watercolour effects.
|
DRYPOINT
We draw directly onto the plate with a needle. Dependent on the pressure
applied, the result is a thinner or thicker line. Apart from the incision,
the needle lifts the metal on both sides of the line, creating a burr
on either side. The result is a fresh, strong line with a characteristic
velvet appearance.
|
|
MEZZOTINT
This technique consists in darkening the plate with a specific tool known
as a rocker. In this way, when printed, an absolute black is acheived.
The whites, highlights and grey areas of the print are obtained by polishing
parts of the grained area with tools such as the scraper and the burnisher.
The result is a print with a characteristic intense velvet black of great
beauty.
|
ADDITIVE
TECHNIQUES
In this case the print is made through creating forms on the plate with
glues, pastes or varnishes. Carborandum is the best known of these techniques
and it consists of drizzling silica dust over the line made by glue on
the plate. The reults are low releifs and masses of colour of a great
intensity.
|
|
POLYMER
PROCESS
Technique that consists in the adhesion of a photosensitive film on a
plate or rigid support. Immediately afterwards a lith film is placed on
top with the desired image and ultraviolet light is used to expose the
plate. Once it is developed, the plate is ready for printing. A recent
development, this technique is ideal for prints using photographic or
digital imagery as well as etching and aquatint effects through non-toxic
printmaking.
|
|
|
|
|
