Notes
about Intaglio Prints, Etching, and Monotypes
Relating to Tessa Johnson's Prints
An Intaglio
print is an image printed from an etched metal plate. Often
intaglio
prints are referred to as etchings. They are "Fine Art Prints."
Etching is the process of working a design into metal
by the corrosive action of acids.
A printing plate is created through this etching process which
will hold a design or image. The metal plate, usually copper,
zinc, or soft steel, is coated with an acid resistant ground
then engraved or carved . The exposed plate is placed in acid
to create a texture. The plate is then coated with a thick oil
based ink and wiped with a rag to remove the excess ink. The
areas with texture hold the ink, the smooth areas are wiped clean.
Each print is hand inked and wiped individually.
Aquatint is a variation of etching where rosin and acid
are used to create a porous surface to create tonal areas. This
is my favorite process.
Dry Point etching is a variation of etching where no acid
is used .The design is created by scribing lines into metal plate
(copper, zinc, soft steel, etc.) with hard steel - or diamond-point
needles. A burr is formed along the scribed lines that holds
the ink and creates the image. Drypoints are a great deal more
delicate and hold up for a smaller edition than acid formed etching.
Most etchings are a combination of several etching techniques.
To print an etching, the metal etched and inked plate is place
on the press bed face up, wet printmaking paper is placed over
the plate, then a wool blanket called a felt is placed over the
paper. Like a sandwich the three components are run through the
etching press to create a print. The paper is then lifted off
of the plate and the result is an Intaglio print or an etching.
Etchings are printed in editions. A limited edition or limited
number of prints are made. After a number of printings, the plate
looses the sharp image and begins to show wear. This is particularly
noticeable in Dry Points. I make 50 prints at the most and then
strike the plate by carving an X over the face of the plate.
This is the standard way for a printmaker to destroy his plates.
A Monotype or Monoprint is a print in an edition
of one; a unique print. Actually it is a printed painting or
printed drawing on a smooth etching plate that is then run through
the etching press to transfer the image to paper. I use an oil
paint or ink and print the image in the same manner in which
an intaglio print is done.
Each print is numbered and signed. 11/40 is the 11th print done
in an edition of 40 prints. An Artist Proof is a print
made to test the plate and then for use as quality control in
the edition. Sometimes they are sold and marked with an AP.
Etching is quite a toxic process. In the past 20 years many developments
in the process have been made just that reason. Printmaking is
an ever changing process.
© Tessa Johnson 2000
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