Talking Points: What is Etching?
A collection of imagery and sources designed to introduce children to the process of drypoint etching.
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Drypoint Etching
Teacher’s Notes
Drypoint etching is a printmaking technique in which a copper plate is drawn on with a sharp tool.
Etching is an intaglio process. Intaglio refers to any printmaking process which involves creating deep marks or indents into the surface of the plate so that when the plate is inked and wiped away, ink will remain in the deep incisions in the copper plate.
We would not recommend trying drypoint etching without a printing press as a lot of pressure is needed for a successful print.
