And now I am learning etching techniques. My first etching: taking a waxed/varnished copper plate I made a drawing on it with a sharp steel point
The plate was dipped in acid and after that the wax was removed. The drawing on the copper surface is evident.
The plate was covered with ink, and the superficial coat of ink was mechanically removed by hand
The ink was left on the previously engraved grooves
The inked plate was placed on the printing press
And coverd with a moist sheet of paper
The heavy cilinders of the press were moved
Et voilá !!! The complete sheet and the image In detail . I can cal it “The Mermaid Nun”
A very interesting technique, especially considering that it is done as it was five centuries ago. The initial drawing on the waxed copper plate is quite tricky, but it can certainly be improved.
Next step will be to perform an “Aquatint” techinique on this same etching.
João Avelar images 
Congrats on your first attempt. An interesting choice of motives to mix – Mermaid Nun. But well executed and now you can imagine the work that has gone into those detailed etchings that we know from museum and galeries.
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Martin, this was just a first trial, I was afraid of making something more complex – but I hope to make some more detailed drawings. Some different techniques will be used in the next workshop session (scheduled for Saturday 22th)
LikeLike
I guess the whole process of the drawing the original into the wax is very much like drawing with ink and pen or pencil. I can’t do either so I admire everyone who can.
LikeLike
A laborious process. Now to continue
LikeLike
Yes, quite laborious but very satisfying. I will keep on.
LikeLike