Etchings by Keith Andrew RCA

etchings

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Etching is one of the oldest printing methods and is a wonderful medium for artists to express themselves. Briefly, the metal plate, usually copper is coated with a waxy 'ground'. The artist then draws with a point into the ground exposing the metal underneath . This is then immersed in an acid bath which bites the line into the plate.

Varying tones called Aquatint can be put on the plate. The area to be etched is dusted with a powdered resin and then heated to melt it onto the surface. The plate is then placed in the acid bath to etch away the tiny areas not protected by the granulated resin.

To print the plate ink is dabbed into the bitten lines , then wiped off the surface of the plate . The plate is then put through a press between two rollers with dampened paper and the impression is taken.

So there are no mechanical or photographic means involved, it is all the artists original work to make and print the plate . Hence the term 'artists original prints'

click on images to see details

these images below are all 'sugar lift' colour aquatints

Mountain Coast - An etching by Keith Andrew