This is my second copper plate etching with aquatint. The process is long but so rewarding. This is also done in collaboration with Barssel’s TheSea and I will post his link to his original photographic work of this model. Its because of his kindness that I am able to produce such works this year….not too many woman want to get naked for me….?

Anyway, the copper plate is etched then but into the ferric acid. So what you have at first are lines and marks…which is great but I want a deeper bite then that. So then I spray and put plate back into the ferric acid. The lines bite deeper and where I have dusted with bitchumen spray the plate bites. I take the plate out of the acid and cover up or “stop” out the areas I want lighter and return the copper to the acid bath. This can go on all day, as each time I print up a copy to see where I am at.

This plate was completed yesterday and I am happy with the final result.

Printmaking is an amazing medium to work in, its endless with possibilities. I am so passionate about the art now that I doubt I will ever want to do anything else. Its like leaving your mark on a piece of paper, a mark that is etched forever…its old fashioned but I love it.

1356 Views on 21/11/09

Hope you like “Ruban Jane”. Billy

Delta Dawn

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