Yesterday, I was working on one of my last prints for this year which was my long awaited Lowry print. As you can see from the photos, after I had burnt on the aquatint resin, I then stopped out areas of the plate using a circuit board pen which is great for small detail. Applying stop out prevents certain areas from being etched by the acid (usually areas to leave white). I then repeat the acid bath process over a number of times know as “bites”. Depending on the time the plate is bathed in the acid and the strength of the solution to water, you get various tonal affects. Lighter tones usually only take a few seconds; darker tones take longer.

“Lowry in Stockport” (Etching aquatint print) 25 x 11 cms – printed on Fabriano paper.