Etching is a printmaking process where images are created using a metal plate and acid. There are a number of variations but the basic technique involves the following steps. An artist begins by covering the metal plate with a waxy substance or ‘ground’ which is resistant to acid. A needle is then used to draw the design through the wax, revealing the metal underneath. Acid is applied to the plate and the acid eats into the areas of exposed metal. The wax is then cleaned off and ink is applied to the plate filling the areas where the acid has eaten away the metal. The inked plate is passed through a printing press together with a sheet of paper, to create an imprint of the design.
Related techniques include aquatint, engraving and drypoint. Not all techniques use acid to create imprints. In drypoint, for example, images are incised directly into the plate using the needle. If you’re keen to give it a try, don’t be put off by the need for particular equipment or tools. With a little imagination you can create artworks inspired by etching techniques, using the art supplies you have access to. The following artists have used etching techniques to create these wonderful artworks:
If you’re interested in exploring these techniques, here are some additional resources and projects ideas. There are a range of applications and techniques so it’s worth having a hunt around for tutorials on Google:
- Etching guide and tutorial
- How to easily etch images in copper
- Intaglio etching process (video)
- Copper Plating and Etching Altoids Tins
If you’re interested in exploring the world of printmaking, we’d also suggest venturing over Printmakers and Printmaking group. Have you experimented with etching techniques? We’d love to hear your tips and advice and you’re welcome to share your favourite works with us too.
Karin Taylor
Thanx so much Nat- I adore Printmaking, in particular, etching – thes works are gorgeous :)
Elucidate
a really interesting art form.
Tania Rose
these are superb :)
Vicki Isted
thanks for using one of my etchings as an example :o) i really miss printmaking!
F.A. Moore
Now you’re talking… oh, these are absolutely beautiful. Thank you!
Elaine van Dyk
What a great promotion for etching! And a fantastic selection of works to demonstrate the beautiful results these printmakers have achieved with this medium.
Alice Kent
These are gorgeous! Reminds me of the stuff my neighbour does. She does all her own etching and printing, and comes up with some GORGEOUS stuff-
Anita Inverarity
BEAUTIFUL works- I love to see etching/printmaking/linocuts/scraperboards- very inspiring and hopefully maybe I’ll give it a try one day. I used to screen print a lot, but I just love the effect of the etching techinique.
Thanks for a great post xx
Ann Warrenton
Thank you for the links and information, it is great! :)
Birds & Bees
Excellent description of etching! Thanks for the feature!!!
Belinda "Billy...
So happy to see some information on printmaking and etching. The art works are beautiful, including mine of course. Thank you for that. But more importantly it is showing people what printmaking is all about, how we go about making an etching and why the finished product isn’t just a finished piece of art but something close to the heart that we have worked on meticulously and produced this amazing work from a piece of metal. BillyLee
Marilyn Brown
Printmaking is often misunderstood. The information provided is excellent.
Thank you for the write up and if people are interested there are many other forms of printmaking which are equally as interesting and none of them involve using a printer connected to a computer.
Excellent as usual Nat.
Printmakers and Printmaking
Deborah Milligan
totally inspiring!
Ilze Coombe
I learnt etching initially at art school in Melbourne (Prahran College of Technology) 1969-71. When I studied at the Zurich artschool 1972-3 I was fortunate to study under a Swiss master and believe the Sleeping Beauty series of etchings I did there as the best work I have ever done. It helps of course to have in mind what you want to create on your etching plate as one slip of the needle will be irreversible. It also helps to be doing your design work in a group of innovative enthusiasts who just love to learn from the teacher and each other – in that respect the Zurich art school in Switzerland was a unique experience and I have enormously fond memories of that time (1972-3). (You can see these etchings in my folio on redbubble.)
At Prahran tech we also explored photographic lithography, another interesting expression which allowed colour to become part of the product – this was more nuanced and subtle. Ah, if I only knew anyone in Adelaide or on the South Coast of South Australia who had a workshop I would love to get back into doing this art form. It is just so rewarding.
Thanks for your opening here.
Lorraine Creagh
Great collection of images. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration.