Aquatint

Aquatint is a printmaking technique of the intaglio family, that is in some sense a cross between etching and mezzotint. As in etching, acid is used to bite the plate, creating pits that will hold ink; as in mezzotint, the aquatinting process is used to create an overall rough tooth to the plate that will hold a large area of ink to print a solid block of color; the image is created from dark to light by smoothing the tooth to create highlights.

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A metal plate is dusted evenly (or unevenly) with finely particulate resin. The plate is then heated to melt the resin to the surface. Biting the plate with acid creates a fine, rough texture on the plate. Before biting, the artist may use asphaltum to block areas that will print clear; after biting, the artist may use a burin to smooth areas of the plate, lightening them for printing.

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Printmaking: Printmaking is a process for producing multiple original pieces of artwork; painting, on the other hand, is a process for producing a single original piece of artwork. Prints are created from a single original surface, most commonly linoleum, metal or wood. Each print is considered an original work ...

Intaglio: Intaglio (printmaking) is a printmaking technique in which the image is incised into a surface....

Etching: Etching is an intaglio method of printmaking in which the image is incised into the surface of a metal plate using an acid. The acid eats the metal, leaving behind roughened areas, or if the surface exposed to the acid is very narrow, burning a line into the plate. The process is believed to have b...

Aquatint related Images and Photos (experimental)

The Quakah Aquatint from "African Scenery and Animals"

Interior: St. Michael's Gallery Aquatint: Wolstenholme Jr Engraved Leghorn 1823