Etching is one of the more complicated and interesting printmaking techniques. By definition, an etched surface has been "eaten away" by some medium.  For metal surfaces, the most usual medium is acid of some variety.  I use zinc plates and etch the surface of  the plate with copper sulphate which is a safer alternative to any of the traditionally used acids.

The Dutch artist, Rembrandt, is credited with having developed the technique of etching or 'intaglio'. His work shows a mastery of this technique which has changed very little since he produced his prints in the 17th century.

The metal plate is covered with an etching "ground" which has a water-repellent wax base.  The design is drawn into the etching gound using a fine needle point.  The plate is then placed into the carefully mixed acid (or safer alternative) which eats away the metal in the places where the wax surface has been scratched to reveal the plate underneath.

When I feel the lines are etched deeply enough, the plate is cleaned to reveal the etched design.  The plate is inked, wiped off and printed through an etching press on to damp paper and the first print is pulled.

This process can be repeated many times on each plate until the artist is happy with the image.

I often add colour to my printed etchings with watercolour paint and  limit  the edition to 40 prints or less.