Intaglio Prints

Intaglio or "scratchboard" art was developed in the 13th and 14th centuries in Germany and Italy.  It is a form of direct engraving on a specially prepared white clay surface. The substrate to be engraved consists of three layers of material.  The rigid base layer has a layer of white kaolin clay applied to it.  The white base is then sanded smooth and a layer of jet black pigment is applied over the top.  Although intaglio surfaces are commercially available today, Anne used the traditional process of creating her substrates. 

The image is etched one stroke at a time using extremely fine tools such as scalpels, points, or blades.  The black is slowly cut away to reveal the white clay beneath creating an image. Each image requires thousands, or tens of thousands, of these precise lines.  

Historically, Intaglio engravings have been considered by artists to be one of the most difficult mediums to master.  It takes a strong, steady hand to maintain the exact pressure required to etch each fine line to the exact depth and width to achieve the finished effect.  Mistakes are not easily corrected - they cannot be erased or painted over! 

The image is all about light and its relationship with the subject.  Tonal variations are achieved by the depth and density of strokes as well as how much surface is removed.  Work may take months to complete. Anne's new approach using classical methods has created pieces of great drama and intensity loved by people who prefer the simplicity and beauty of black and white.  

These limited edition prints of 300 are produced on high quality, acid-free paper using state-of-the-art techniques and archival materials.  Hand-titled and signed by the artist, these limited editions prints are shipped unmatted, ready for you to make appropriate framing choices for your display environment.