Messing About in Boats 2025

Messing About in Boats, Intaglio Print, 4" x 6"

This print was the most challenging due to the technique and materials involved. It was carved into a copper plate using an etching needle in a layer of Big ground. The etching was enhanced by dipping the plate in acid for 45 minutes. I had some issues with oxidization creating spots all over my plate. To correct this and to achieve a range of black and white values, I used a technique called “Aquatint”, in which I painted parts of the plate in acrylic paint and dipped the plate back into acid for around two minutes per shade.

This print is a scene I made up, inspired by The Wind in The Willows. This story has been important to my family and reminds me of reading the book and watching the movie as a kid with my family.