Chris Christodoulou: Southwark One Day, DrypointChris Christodoulou: Southwark One Day, Drypoint

FEATURE

Drypoint

Using a sharp pointed tool like an etching needle, an image is scratched into a flat polished sheet of metal such as copper or aluminium. Plastic or card can also be used.

TECHNIQUE

Drypoint

Using a sharp pointed tool like an etching needle, an image is scratched into a flat polished sheet of metal such as copper or aluminium. Plastic or card can also be used.

Chris Christodoulou: Southwark One Day, Drypoint

Ink is worked into the image and excess ink wiped away.

Paper is placed on top of the plate and printed using an etching press. Drypoint lines are often described as blurry, with a velvety feel.

more printmaking techniques

Etching

Etching was originally invented as a method for adding decoration to armour during the Middle Ages. Artists began to use metal plates for printing in the 15th century, when Albrecht Durer made work on iron plates. Later artists such as Andrea Mantegna in Italy and Rembrandt in Holland went on to make etchings on copper.

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Woodcut

Knives, gouges and other tools are used to carve an image into a block of wood. Ink is applied using a roller; the cut away areas do not pick up ink as they are below the surface. Paper is placed on top and is printed with a press or by hand.

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Linocut

In this relief printing process, an image is carved or etched into a sheet of linoleum. Ink is applied to the lino using a roller; the cut-away areas do not pick up ink. Paper is placed down onto the image and either printed on a press or printed by hand.

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More Features

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Artist talk: Helen Breach

In this video presentation, Helen talks about the different ways in which she explores the world around her through drawing, painting and printmaking, including looking at dancers in rehearsal, the natural environment and portraiture.

Video

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“Revealing the unknown is always the thing I’m interested in”

SooMin Leong’s practice focuses on the transition from one place to another, both through literal journeys and the many stages that go into making her prints. Each is a story informed by the experience and impression of travelling. We interviewed her about her own journey into printmaking.

Artist:
SooMin Leong

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Etching

Etching was originally invented as a method for adding decoration to armour during the Middle Ages. Artists began to use metal plates for printing in the 15th century, when Albrecht Durer made work on iron plates. Later artists such as Andrea Mantegna in Italy and Rembrandt in Holland went on to make etchings on copper.

See more

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