Learning the Ropes
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This hand coloured mezzotint was created in 2001. The edition number is AP IV/V. The framed dimensions are 18.5 x 11 in.
Handmade Mezzotint engravings by Nova Scotian artist Kath Kornelsen Rutherford:
The rich soft dark tones characteristic of the mezzotint, are achieved by repeatedly 'rocking' a curved serrated blade on polished copper plate. Few artists today have the time to rock a plate for the days it takes to cover the plate completely in one direction, and then again at right angles to the first and so on until at least twelve different directions have been rocked.
The rocked plate will print a solid black, which is then rubbed with a burnisher to create a range of tones. The finished plate is inked, wiped and rolled through a press with dampened paper (the same printing process as an etching), then in some cases watercolour paint is added.
This is an original print, the direct process of drawing and working on the copper and does not involve photography or reproduction.
