Intaglio is a form of printmaking that utilizes lines etched (or scratched) into metal (or plexiglass) plates, most commonly copper or zinc plates. In the case of etching, an intaglio plate will be covered in an acid-resistant cover, or “ground,” that adheres to the surface of the plate. The artist then removes this “ground” where they want linework to appear. The plate is then placed in a bath of acid, where all of the areas where the ground was removed are eaten by the acid, resulting in fine, thin, precisely etched lines. Ink is then rubbed into the resulting lines, and the surface wiped clean, before being run through a press to print.

Watercolor Editions

Aquatints

Etched Intaglio (Plain Lines)

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Lithography