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Etching: step-by-step

An etching is made by coating a metal plate with a wax ground, drawing into it and then immersing it in an acid bath. The acid 'bites' into the plate where it is exposed. Tone is applied using a technique called aquatint.

When ink is applied to the plate and wiped away, the bitten areas of the plate retain the ink. When it is passed through the printing press the image transfers to the paper from the plate. My etchings are made using zinc plates which are etched in nitric acid.

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