Drypoint Print by Hugh Bryden
Drypoint Engraving - as an introduction to Intaglio Printing 1 Day Workshop
Level: Beginner Cost: $85 Includes all materials
For those who enjoy the elegance of ‘the Line’ and the variety of textures and values that can be created with this basic element of design and for those who love to draw, doodle or maybe just scribble this workshop will show you how simple tools applied to plastic plates can enable you to create original hand made prints of your treasured images.
Traditionally Drypoint and Engraving are direct ‘drawing’ techniques applied to metal plates such as copper or zinc. The drypoint technique differs from the incised engraved method. Traditional (incised) engraving uses a burin, a ‘V’ shaped carving gouge that when pushed at the proper angle removes a thin line of material which curls off and is removed. This creates a very sharp distinct line when printed. The drypoint technique uses a sharp needle tool to ‘draw’ into the plate. This process produces a ‘burr’ of plate material which sits along the line but is not removed. Through the inking and printing process this creates a sightly blurry line which gives the softer effect so loved by printmakers of this discipline.
In this one day workshop participants will create a drypoint plate working on plastic plates with carborundum drypoint needles. Areas of tone are created with hatching, stippling as well as sanding and toner wash ‘aquatints’. We will then learn how to ink and wipe the plates to make our prints. Studio and etching press protocol will be reviewed as well as the tradition of signing and numbering prints.