P3: Drypoint

Background

Drypoint is one of the oldest and simplest of printmaking processes. It is an intaglio process, since the ink is wiped into the low grooves that are scratched into the plate.  In reality, drypoint is somewhat of a hybrid process between relief and intaglio because there is some physical roughness, a burr, on the edges of the scratched line that holds the ink as well. This burr produces a typically softened edge that quickly deteriorates with repeated runs through the press. The traditional drypoint plate is made of soft copper, whereas we will be using a much more modern material– plastic (Plexiglas).

Criteria/Supplies:

• Portrait: small plexiglass (4.75 x 7)
• Landscape: large plexiglass (7×9)
• Plate material: plastic sheet (Plexiglas)
• Cutting instrument: etching needle
• Photograph scaled to fit plate.
• Printed as numbered series (5 prints: 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, etc.)

Calendar

Monday 3/07: tutorial, brief, samples
Wed 3/09: initial comps
Friday 3/11: start making plates
Monday 3/14-18: spring break
Monday 3/21 – Wed 23: finish plates, start making prints
Friday 3/25 – Wed 30: make prints

Deadline: Friday, April 01

Turn in:
• 2 final images (1 portrait, 1 landscape): matted on white board, and framed (16×20)
• Other images numbered as series, and signed. 1/5, 2/5, 3/5…

Subject Matter/Theme Inspiration:

Homage to Rembrandt

1: Like Rembrandt, one of your subject matters will be your own face. For best results, take a photograph that is high contrast and employs dramatic lighting that emphasizes the features and three-dimensionality of your face. Feel free to add props to your self-portrait (hat, scarf, etc.)

2: Like Rembrandt, he found great inspiration in his surroundings, specially in nature—landscapes. Look around and find inspiration from a Texan landscape (windmills, farms, ranch, etc).