Etching: a Guide to Traditional Techniques

Etching: a Guide to Traditional Techniques by Alan Smith

This practical new paperback edition (2020) of a classic publication explains the full process of etching, covering traditional techniques in depth and introducing modern ideas when they add to mark-making capabilities. Illustrated with lavishly finished examples and clear step-by-step sequences, this beautiful book covers the basics of etching – the materials required, how to prepare a plate, and ways of making marks using hard ground, soft ground and aquatint. Other etching techniques are covered including spit-bite and sugar lift, mezzotint and how to transfer images onto the plate using photo etching.

Engraving techniques are shown with various ways of making the plate without acid: drypoint, line engraving, stipple engraving and mezzotint. Advice on printing is given including papers and inks, the printing process and more advanced techniques such as colour printing and editioning.

Etching today is regarded as the old man printmaking, its roots lying with alchemists and armorers. It has slowly evolved over the centuries, taking and incorporating new developments such as photography in its stride. It is now as popular as ever with artists who seek both creativity and gravitas in its line. Ancient and modern, this book takes you to the very heart of traditional etching techniques and includes more modern techniques only when they add to the mark-making capabilities of etching. All the techniques are described in an easy-to-follow text along with step-by-step photographs. It also gives advice on paper and inks, the printing process and more advance techniques such as colour printing and editioning.

ISBN: 9781785007699