ETCHING TECHNIQUES

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DRYPOINT

Drypointing is an intaglio printmaking process where the artist works directly onto a plate, usually metal or plastic. A sharp tool is used (in Anna's case a diamond point) which displaces the plate material and this forms a raised burr on the surface. The printing ink is held both in the line and the raised burr and prints with a rich velvety quality. The inking up process and the pressure exerted by the press soon wears down the burr on the surface and the prints lose their richness and clarity. For this reason Anna keeps her editions to 5.

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AQUATINT

The term Aquatint refers to an Intaglio printmaking technique where a metal plate is etched in an acid bath. Spray paint and varnish is used to produce areas of subtle tonal range.  Anna uses this technique where areas of tone are more important than the etched line

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CHINE COLLE

Anna uses this technique to add colour in some areas of an etching.  A layer of hand dyed tissue paper is cut to the size of the printing plate, with a larger sheet of printmaking paper below.  Both layers are placed on the top of the inked plate and run through the printing press at the same time.