Hummingbird

I mostly make monotype prints on my printing press, but occasionally I dip into another process.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to make some new drypoint etchings from a drawing of a Hummingbird. 

Drypoint etching uses a different process to metal plate etching, where acid is required to etch the drawn lines on the plate and create the grooves to receive the ink. 

The plate for a drypoint can be made from perspex, drypoint card or Tetra Pak card. An etching needle is used to draw the image into the surface of the plate, creating the groove in which to push the ink. The surface of this type of plate is soft and the etched line will have a burr on it, creating a softer feel to the printed image.

The ink is pushed into the plate using a piece of card as a spatula. Then the plate is then wiped, revealing the inky etched lines of the drawing. I like to leave some ink around the image to create texture or tone. Careful wiping on a specific area can create a highlight.

The drypoint plate will wear out much more quickly than a metal etching plate, so it may be possible to only make 5-10 prints.

Hummingbird is a varied edition of six prints.

'Hummingbird' VE1

Drypoint etching

14.8 x 12cm

£10 unmounted & unframed