Printmaking techniques: A graphic or original fine art print is the printed impression produced from a ‘matrix’ of block; plate, stone, Perspex or silk screen on which the artist who conceived the idea has worked.

Because the artist has chosen to render the image on a permanent or semi-permanent basis it is possible to produce a number of images (limited edition typically 15) from these bases, each one an original work by the artist.

There is a separate inking, wiping and printing for each colour, and for each copy within an edition.  A colour print usually can involve more than one plate, printed carefully on top of each other.

Etching: Is a print taken from a sheet of metal usually copper steel or zinc into which the drawing has been bitten with acid.

The metal plate is first covered with an acid resistant ground made from wax. The artist draws an image through the ground exposing the plate, the plate is then immersed into the acid bath and the image (drawing) is etched onto the plate. Once the plate is etched to a sufficient depth the ground is cleaned off. Ink is rubbed into the etched lines and wiped clean. A sheet of dampened paper is placed over the plate it is then fed through a printing press under great pressure. This causes the ink to be pulled out of the incised lines onto the paper and create the plate mark. To create shading the etching process could be repeated numerous times

Drypoint: This is another etching technique where the artists draw directly on to the plate using a sharp etching needle. The scratching process throws up a burr, when inked and printed the burr yields a velvety line which is characteristic of drypoint.

Carborundum:A paste is made using Carborundum (finely ground metal particles) and strong glue. The image is then painted or drawn onto the plate  and allowed to dry. Inks are then applied to the plate and its wiped and printed like etching.

Collograph: This is a print form of collage. The plate is built up using a collage process it can combine materials, cardboard found objects etc. these are attached to the plate with glue. It can be printed blind i.e. embossed print or inked and printed in the usual way.

Editions:  All the editions available on my website are small e.g.1/ 10 i.e. the first print taken in the editioning process.  You will find the number on the bottom left corner of the print.    A/P means artists proof; a proof is a print that an artist has made to check the progress of the printing process. It’s usually the final proof before editioning. V/P means a variable print, i.e. all prints from this plate can be slightly different .