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Here Be Lines.

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Submitted: August 23, 2010
Image Size: 5.4 MB
Resolution: 1313×1945

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Hogfatherby *megamoth

Traditional Art / Printing / Etching

My winter etching from 2009. This is probably the first etching I've done in about 4 years. I used ferric chloride for the first time ever, as apposed to my much preferred dutch mordant. Considering that, I found the results satisfactory. I am not a huge fan of aquatint to begin with, but I probably will not use aquatint in ferric chloride again. :S

Anywho. As the title would suggest, this piece was inspired by Terry Pratchett's discworld novel, "Hogfather." I love the discworld books, even though I probably haven't read enough of them. Terry Pratchett creates such a thorough and believable world, and his prose is always a treat to read. If you haven't read them yet, you should!

The etching--which is more of an interpretation than an illustration of any scene in the book--refers mainly to the cycle of the winter solstice, using symbols from the narrative. I find it difficult to actually illustrate scenes from discworld books, mainly because Paul Kidby (the "official" artist of the discworld novels) illustrates them so perfectly. I feel I wouldn't have much to bring to the table, if you know what I mean!

Etching on copper, approx. 4x6", 2009

~samuraipepe Oct 11, 2011 Student Traditional Artist

Incredible!

*pallanoph Aug 10, 2011 Professional Traditional Artist

This.

This reminds me of how much I miss printmaking.... (It's been probably five years now, haven't had a chance since college!) Copperplate etching was probably my favorite medium to work with, though I remember there were times when we had some serious inconsistencies with the printshop's acid baths. I can't recall what sort of acid was used, but I'm beginning to wonder if it was ferric chloride. Ate the copper deep and quick, I remember that much.

But! You used it to great effect here, with the aquatint and all, and it works splendidly even if it may not be your method of choice. Superb!

*megamoth Aug 11, 2011 Professional Traditional Artist

Thank you so much! I love etching and my mate has gone great lengths to keep it a part of our lives (he has some fantastic prints of his own over here

). It sounds like Ferric was what you used in your shop, Dutch (Hydrochloric acid) is pretty slow and steady. Ferric is a lot less dangerous though, which is good. However it is very sensitive to temperature, and its bite can change drastically depending on how many people have used it (a big problem in print shops).
I hope you can find a chance to make some more etchings some time, your work suits the technique wonderfully! But until then, I will continue enjoying your beautiful drawings and paintings