Glossary: Drypoint

Drypoint has been described as the "mere scratching of a metal surface" in what seems to be the simplest of engraving techniques. Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact drypoint is the hardest technique in which to achieve mastery, with many artists’ trying and failing.

In drypoint, the plate is incised directly, without use of acid. It is incised using a tool called a burin which has a v-shaped blade. A great deal of care is required when engraving the plate as the smallest scratch will show up when printed. This of course can be very useful when adding tones but mistakes cannot be rectified. The scratching doesn't remove the metal but throws it up as a burr and makes a ridge that traps the ink during the printing process. The effect of this delicate burr does not last an indefinite length of time and after a maximum of 15 or so pulls from the press it will have degraded to a point where the plate is finished.

Drypoint can be used alone to incise a plate, but it is most often used in conjunction with etching giving a warmer feel to the finished work. This is a lovely sharp and immediate process resulting in clean lines and clarity of subject matter.

Here at Room4art.com™ drypoints are an important part of our catalogue and we will usually have a  selection for sale. They will be quality works by professionally trained artists from the early 20th century to the present day. The condition of every painting is fully detailed and has been photographed in high resolution, so that with the aid of our zoom facility you can examine every work in minute detail and therefore buy with confidence.

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