aquatint Definition
- 1an intaglio printmaking process that creates areas of tone rather than line by etching a porous ground with nitric acid or other mordants to create a pattern of fine dots that will hold ink
- 2a print made using the aquatint process
Using aquatint: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "aquatint" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The artist used aquatint to create a soft, tonal effect in the print.
Example
The museum has a collection of aquatints by various artists.
Example
She learned how to do aquatint in her printmaking class.
Phrases with aquatint
a printmaking technique that combines mezzotint and aquatint to create a range of tones and textures
Example
The artist's latest series of prints uses a combination of mezzotint and aquatint to create a unique effect.
a printmaking technique that combines soft-ground etching and aquatint to create a range of tones and textures
Example
The artist experimented with soft-ground etching and aquatint to create a series of prints with a delicate, ethereal quality.
a printmaking technique that combines drypoint and aquatint to create a range of tones and textures
Example
The artist used drypoint and aquatint to create a series of prints with a rough, textured quality.
Origins of aquatint
from French 'aqua-tinta', meaning 'water tint'
Summary: aquatint in Brief
An 'aquatint' [ˈæk.wə.tɪnt] is a printmaking process that creates areas of tone rather than line by etching a porous ground with nitric acid or other mordants to create a pattern of fine dots that will hold ink. It is often used to create soft, tonal effects in prints. Phrases like 'mezzotint and aquatint' and 'soft-ground etching and aquatint' combine aquatint with other printmaking techniques to create a range of tones and textures.
