Mezzotint
Multiple passes with the rocker are necessary to create an evenly textured surface.
Mezzotint is a traditional printmaking technique that involves roughening the surface of a copper plate with a tool called a rocker. When the plate is inked and printed, the textured surface holds ink and produces a rich black. Hand tools are used to work back into the plate to bring out subtle values and highlights to create an image.
A closer look at the serrated blade of a mezzotint rocker
The surface of a copper plate after it has been rocked. Note the cross hatched pattern.
A scraper, essentially a blade with three blades, is used to work back into the plate removing the rocked texture to create highlights and mid-tones.
A ball burnisher is used to further smooth and polish lighter areas of the image.
Gamblin etching ink is carded onto the entire plate.
Excess ink is then wiped away with tarlatan, a starched cheesecloth
The plate has been inked and wiped and is now ready to be printed.
Dampened paper is placed on top of the inked plate on the press bed
The plate next to the print on the press bed for comparison. Notice that the image on the print is the mirror image of the plate.
council, mezzotint, 2016 (plate)
council, mezzotint, 2016 (print)