In Fear of Ticking Crocodiles
This print was created as a two plate photopolymer etching.
The initial image of the crocodile was based upon studies made at the wonderful
Tring Natural History museum http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring.html
The original artwork was made using a propelling pencil, fine liner and watercolour (similar to examples)
The artwork is transferred on to acetate or tracing paper then clamped against a pre coated photo etching plate, available from Intaglio printmakers - http://intaglioprintmaker.com/
The plate is exposed to good sunlight for several minutes (on a clear sunny day 4-5 minutes usually does it). A silk screen exposure box works just as well.
The plate is then washed quickly & vigorously in warm water.
The exposed areas have 'hardened' due to UV exposure.
Those areas protected by the image wash away in differing degrees creating an outstanding etched plate.
Those areas protected by the image wash away in differing degrees creating an outstanding etched plate.
The process, once mastered is so reliable and the etched plate really durable that dozens,
if not hundreds of images can be made.
Get the artwork and exposure timing right and you can have high quality intaglio prints without fume cupboards, lethal chemicals and all the related health hazards normally associated with etching.
The second plate was created using a combination of drawing & collage to develop the time image.
The script (from "Alice ....) was scratched on to glass pre coated with relief printing ink allowing UV light to penetrate on to the photopolymer plate.
The plate was exposed twice before washing.
The photopolymer etching plates are NOT cheap but once you have mastered the process there is VERY LITTLE wastage, no chemicals to buy and the process has a minimal environmental impact.
I always print with Caligo water washable oil based printing inks
The plates can be used to create relief prints.
This was how they were originally intended to be used in commercial printing.
Shoebill - Image created by scratching through pre coated acetate to allow UV light to penetrate.
The acetate and plate were exposed and the background washed away completely.
Once printed watercolour was added to each impression.
All artwork by Douglas Anderson
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