FEATURE
Soft ground
Soft ground was invented in the latter half of the eighteenth century as a means of reproducing the grainy qualities of chalk work. It was first used in England by Gainsborough and artists of the Norwich School.
TECHNIQUE
Soft ground
Soft ground was invented in the latter half of the eighteenth century as a means of reproducing the grainy qualities of chalk work. It was first used in England by Gainsborough and artists of the Norwich School.
Mixing hard ground with tallow, petroleum jelly, or lard makes soft ground. Because of the added grease the ground never hardens so lines, objects and textures can be easily impressed into it.
Soft ground is a great way into printmaking if you like textures and patterns, or want to recreate a pencil drawing effect. It can be used with other etching techniques on the same plate to achieve different layered effects.
more printmaking techniques
Carborundum
Abrasive carborundum grit (silicon carbide) is mixed with acrylic medium or glue and painted onto a flat surface, such as plastic or metal.
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Daydreaming through decoration
“I felt like I was in multiple spaces at the same time – the studio, my source material, my paintings – and I really lost myself in the process of making. I had this epiphany that if I inhabited my paintings long enough then the experience of looking at them would contain the dysphoria I felt, because that’s how art works, it’s a sort of a mirror.”
Hard ground
A traditional technique in etching. After degreasing the surface of the plate, hard ground is rolled over the surface.
With a lot of help from you – our 2024 Crowdfunder story
In May 2024 we ran a Crowdfunder appeal to raise £10,000 for two new presses and improvements to the studio. We are thrilled to say that we exceeded our target with donations of over £11,500.