Etchings are a traditional form of intaglio printmaking. The artwork is scratched through a wax ground on a metal plate. The exposed metal is then bitten with an acid solution. The wax is cleaned from the surface and the plate is rubbed with ink to fill the acid-etched lines. Excess ink is hand-wiped from the surface. Dampened paper is placed over the plate and both are run through a press under heavy pressure. The paper picks up the ink from the well of the etched lines.
About 20 to 50 prints are made from each metal plate. Only prints that meet the high standards of the artist are acceptable to be included in the edition. The edition size is all-inclusive and no subsequent edition will be produced. The plate is cancelled by engraving the completion date on the plate image. Assigned print numbers do not necessarily reflect the sequence of printing.
Etchings produced by Doug Desmond may be printed on various types of high quality paper throughout the edition, including mould-made papers and hand-made papers. All papers used are neutral pH archival qulaity. Individual inking techniques and ink colors can vary from print to print. This individual attention to each print makes the edition personal and unique.