Toad aquatint etching

'Bufo Bufo' is a limited edition aquatint etching of a common toad. Printed onto Fabriano Rosaspina 285gsm acid free paper, with Cranfield Caligo safe wash oil-based ink. This is lovely off white/subtle cream heavy weight paper. Signed and numbered on the front. This is a limited edition of 25 prints.

Actual print size: 18 x 16cm
Paper size: 29.5 x 24cm

Etching is a process that involves covering a metal plate in a thin ground, and scratching the line work of the image into this. The plate is then emersed traditionally in acid, but in my case I use the less dangerous alternative of copper sulphate, in order to etch the line into the metal. 'Aquatinting' is the process of adding areas of tone. As this is a zinc plate, a spray aquatint is applied over the line etch to give a texture that can then be further etched in the copper sulphate.

As prints are made individually by hand, please expect slight variation in detail and ink density, which makes every print unique.