Printmaking Definitions: Drypoint

Intaglio / Etching | Drypoint | Lithography | Relief Printing | Screen Collograph | Cyannotypes | Viscosity Printing

A Drypoint intaglio print is created by directly drawing into the copper plate with a sharp instrument that is able to scratch into the copper plate enough to hold ink. One of the characteristics of a drypoint is a soft fuzzy line. The drypoint print does not hold up over time as the pressure from the printing process wears the raised line down so it is not easy to edition a drypoint print.

Self portrait, 1978, drypoint print

Bathtub, 1980, drypoint print

3 different states are represented; far left with drawing on the print, center is the first proof and the third is more or less the final state.

This print was created during my first year of printmaking in 1978.

You tube videos on Intaglio process and printing:

Printmaking Processes: Intaglio - Minneapolis Institute of Art - etching, drypoint and engraving

Pressure + Ink: Intaglio Process - The Museum of Modern Art

Created by Gisele Beaupre ©