What is aquatint?
Aquatint is an intaglio printmaking technique that uses a resin to create areas of tone in a print. The resin is applied to a metal plate, and then the plate is etched in acid. The acid eats away the exposed metal, but it does not etch the resin-covered areas. When the plate is inked and printed, the ink will only adhere to the exposed metal areas, creating a print with areas of tone.
History of aquatint
Aquatint was invented in the early 17th century by Jean Baptiste Le Prince, a French printmaker. Le Prince was looking for a way to create prints with more tonal variation than was possible with etching alone. Aquatint quickly became popular among printmakers, and it was used by a number of famous artists, including Rembrandt, Goya, and Turner.
How does aquatint work?
The basic steps of aquatint are as follows:
Prepare the plate. The plate is made of a metal, such as copper or zinc, which is polished to remove any scratches or imperfections. It is then coated with a layer of ground, which is a fine, even layer of material that protects the metal from the acid.
Apply the resin. The resin is applied to the plate using a variety of methods, including a brush, a spray gun, or a roller. The resin is allowed to dry completely.
Etch the plate. The plate is placed in a bath of acid. The acid eats away the exposed metal, but it does not etch the resin-covered areas. The length of time the plate is etched determines the amount of tone that will be created in the print.
Remove the ground. The ground is removed from the plate with a solvent.
Ink the plate. The plate is inked with a roller or dauber. The ink is applied to the exposed metal areas, leaving the resin-covered areas ink-free.
Print the image. The inked plate is placed on a piece of paper and then pressed down with a press. The pressure forces the ink from the exposed metal areas onto the paper, creating a print.
Types of aquatint
There are two main types of aquatint:
Hard aquatint: In hard aquatint, the resin is applied to the plate in a thick layer. This creates areas of tone that are relatively dark and uniform.
Soft aquatint: In soft aquatint, the resin is applied to the plate in a thin layer. This creates areas of tone that are more subtle and varied.
Benefits of aquatint
Aquatint offers a number of benefits, including:
Variety of tones: Aquatint can be used to create a wide variety of tones, from subtle washes to deep blacks.
Uniqueness: Each aquatint print is unique, as the artist will apply the resin slightly differently each time.
Longevity: Aquatint prints are typically very durable.
Applications of aquatint
Aquatint is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
Fine art: Aquatint is a popular medium for fine art prints.
Commercial art: Aquatint is used to create a variety of commercial prints, such as posters and advertisements.
Book illustration: Aquatint is often used to illustrate books.
Decorative items: Aquatint is used to create a variety of decorative items, such as plates, bowls, and vases.
Conclusion
Aquatint is a versatile and unique printmaking process that can be used to create a variety of beautiful and durable prints. It is a popular choice for artists and designers who want to create unique and original works of art.