Etching: A Guide to Traditional Techniques

by Alan Smith

Overview

This practical new paperback edition 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, 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785007699
Publisher:	Crowood Press, The
Publication date:	09/21/2020
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.53(w) x 9.99(h) x 0.43(d)

About the Author

After working and running various contemporary etching studios, Alan Smith ran the etching room at the Royal College of Art, London for 32 years.

Table of Contents

Foreword 7

Introduction 9

The Intaglio Family Tree 13

1 A Short History 15

2 Tools and Materials 19

3 Plate Preparation 35

4 Hard Ground Etching 41

5 Soft Ground Etching 51

6 Aquatint 55

7 Photo-Etching 67

8 Engraving 85

9 Printing Papers and Inks 93

10 The Printing Process 111

11 Colour Printing and Editioning 131

Appendix: Sample COSHH Assessment 150

Glossary 152

Bibliography 154

Resources 155

Index of Artists 156

Index 158

Editorial Reviews

"There is a generosity of technical tips and information throughout the book, which combined with stage by stage illustrations of different techniques, studio layout and range of different styles of print works, makes Smith's book a good reference for any printmaker." —Printmaking Today

From the Publisher