Drypoint is a printmaking technique of the intaglio family, in which an image is incised into a plate with a hard-pointed needle or diamond point. The term "drypoint" is also used for inkless scratched inscriptions, such as glosses in manuscripts.
The Art Media Drypoint
Drypoint is a printmaking technique of the intaglio family, in which an image is incised into a plate with a hard-pointed needle or diamond point. The term "drypoint" is also used for inkless scratched inscriptions, such as glosses in manuscripts.
Lines and burrs
The lines produced by printing a drypoint are formed by the burr thrown up at the edge of the incised lines, in addition to the depressions formed in the surface of the plate. A larger burr, formed by a steep angle of the tool, will hold a lot of ink, producing a characteristically soft, dense line that differentiates drypoint from other intaglio methods such as etching or engraving which produce a smooth, hard-edged line. The size or characteristics of the burr usually depend not on how much pressure is applied, but on the angle of the needle. A perpendicular angle will leave little to no burr, while the smaller the angle gets to either side, the larger the burr pileup.
History
The technique appears to have been invented by the Housebook Master, a south German 15th-century artist, all of whose prints are in drypoint only. Among the most famous artists of the old master print, Albrecht Dürer produced 3 drypoints before abandoning the technique; Rembrandt used it frequently, but usually in conjunction with etching and engraving. As intaglio techniques, they can all be used on the same plate.
In the 20th century many artists produced drypoints, including Max Beckmann, Milton Avery, Hermann-Paul and Martin Lewis. By adding aquatint work on the plate and inking with various colours, artists such as Mary Cassatt have produced colour drypoints. Canadian artist David Brown Milne is credited as the first to produce coloured drypoints by the use of multiple plates, one for each colour.
Contemporary artists who have extensively used drypoint include Louise Bourgeois, Vija Celmins, William Kentridge and Richard Spare.
Types of needles
Any sharp object can theoretically be used to make a drypoint, as long as it can be used to carve lines into metal. However, there are specific types of needles that are commonly used in the process. These include:
- Engraving needles: These have a triangular cross-section and are used for making precise, clean lines.
- Drypoint needles: These have a rounded or pointed tip and are used for creating softer, more expressive lines.
Related techniques
There are several related techniques to drypoint that are worth mentioning. These include:
- Etching: This is a similar intaglio technique in which an image is incised into a plate using acid.
- Engraving: This is a relief printmaking technique in which lines are cut into a surface with a burin or other sharp tool.
In conclusion, drypoint is a versatile and expressive printmaking technique that has been used by many famous artists throughout history. Its unique characteristics, such as the soft, dense lines produced by the burr, make it a popular choice for those looking to create intricate and detailed works of art.
For more information on drypoint, please visit: Wikipedia's page on Drypoint.
To see examples of drypoint paintings, please visit: ArtsDot.com's page on Drypoint Paintings.
To learn more about the artist Dame Laura Knight, please visit: ArtsDot.com's page on Dame Laura Knight.