Printmaking Unit: Intaglio

Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking process, similar to etching, but without the use of any chemicals. The technique is usually done on copper plates where the artist scratches directly onto the plate with a sharp pointed tool such as an etching needle. This incising creates a ridge (from the metal displaced on either side of the line) which is called the burr. The burr will hold a great deal of additional ink when printed which brings out the velvety dark and feathery lines which is very characteristic for drypoint prints. The printing is done through an intaglio press where ink is pushed into the sunken area by applying heavy pressure in order to press the paper into the inked marks.

Materials / Tools Tools for the Design Stage & Etching: Plexiglas (this is referred to as your plate) File (to bevel the edges) Etching tools Tools for the Printing Stage: BKRives paper (rag paper) small printing press ink barrier cream hand washing cream (Gojo) Nitrate / latex gloves Cheesecloth / newspaper / cardboard

Stage 1: The Design Process Step 1: Research your artist/time period and familiarize yourself with the style and theme. Step 2: Begin developing preliminary sketches the same size of your Plexiglas. Step 3: Draw several (minimum 3) different compositions with pen or a sharpie marker. When working with the composition think about the Elements and Principles of Design like Balance, Space, Line, Value etc…

Stage 2: The Etching Process Step 4: Belve the edges of your Plexiglas with a file (this is done to prevent the paper from tearing). Step 5: Place the Plexiglas (tape it down) over your image. Trace your image with an etching tool.

Stage 3: The Printing Process Step 6: Apply a layer of barrier cream and put on your latex gloves. Step 7: Cover the back side of your plate with a layer of masking tape (this will help keep your plate clean). Step 8: Cover the entire plate surface in a cross-hatching motion, with etching ink. Use a thick piece of cardboard. Step 9: Using tarlatan or cheesecloth apply pressure in a circular motion over the entire plate. This step does 2 things, it removes the excess ink while filling in the small groves (etching lines).

The Printing Process continued… Step 10: Gently buff the plate with a piece of newsprint. The buffing will make the lighter areas lighter. This is a way to control the values. Over buffing can result in a light and unsatisfying print. Step 11: Remove the tape on the back side of your plate. Remove gloves and carefully place your plate on your pre- made registration. Step 12: Immerse your BKR paper in clean water and dab with newsprint. It should feel damp. Step 13: Check that the pressure is set to 11 and run the press.

The Printing Press continued… Be sure to line the felt bed (blankets) with clean newsprint. Step 14: Pin to the wall and wash your plate.

Troubleshooting If the etched lines are not visible it could be… Lines are not carved deep enough, go back to the etching process Spend more time filling the groves with the tarlatan and circular motion If your lines are dark but so are the light areas it could be… You did not buff enough with the newsprint. If your overall image is too light it could be… You buffed your plate too much. The pressure is not enough. Your paper was not wet enough.

Etching Tools

Preparing your sketches (thinking) (20 thinking marks) What to include in your sketchbook when planning for your print: - include the size you would like your plate to be - several sketches (minimum 3) done in hatching/cross- hatching. - include visual examples from your time period. - writing your ideas / include a detailed explanation of the steps for creating an intaglio print.

#2 Theme: based on the artist you select Your theme will depend upon the artist your group selects (groups of 4). If you are interested in: - medical drawing you would select Leonardo da Vinci as your artist. - silly / non-sensical drawings you would select Edward Gorey. Each group member will create their own design/print. Each design mush resemble in style (technique) and theme (subject matter) to the artist your group selected.

Artists to Examine Leonardo da Vinci – medical drawings Albreicht Durer – nature drawings M.C. Escher – mathematical drawings Gustave Doré - Dante’s Divine Comedy (images of Heaven, Purgatory and Hell) Edward Gorey - non-sensical images Henry Moore – (British abstract sculptor); abstract etchings of a skull from “Elephant Skull Album” Hans Baldung – superstitious Germanic images from northern Renaissance John Tenniel – Alice in Wonderland (book illustrations)

Leonardo da Vinci’s medical drawings

Albreicht Durer

John Tennial’s Alice in Wonderland Illustrations

#1 Theme: Architecture or Sculpture Your theme is based on architecture from a historical art period listed below: - Early Christian Art, Byzantine Art, Islamic Art, Early Medieval Art, Romanesque, Gothic or Late Gothic. Refer to your art history list and research the art pieces we will be studying to get you started. Select one or more works as the base of your design. Your goal is to produce one good quality print. If you get more that’s amazing!