Solar Plate Etchings at South County Art Association Member Invitational
January 17-February 9, 2013
Solar Plate Printmaking
A solar plate is a thin steel plate prepared with a light-sensitive polymer surface. It works like a photograph: a transparency/negative is placed on the plate and exposed to a light source. Everywhere light touches the plate, the polymer hardens, while unexposed areas remain soft and water-soluble. Solar plate Copper, once exposed, is developed in a water bath that rinses away unexposed areas. A final exposure to the sun or in an exposure unit hardens the final image. The plate can then be inked and printed (preferably with a press) in the usual fashion. These prints are made in the Intaglio Process so an additional exposure of an aquatint screen helps the detail to show up in the final image. This exposure increases the ability of the plate to hold the ink in the detail areas.
Barber's Pond, I always wanted to stop at this pond while driving on Route 2 South, so I did!
Rain on Boston Common, while dodging raindrops on my way through the Common, I was taken with how the rain made the scene so lovely. It was nice to slow down and take in my surroundings.
Elegant Elm, a towering elm commands the sky on the front lawn of Hopeland's at Rocky Hill School
Hideaway, while walking on a dirt road on the island of Cutty Hunk, I came upon the most beautiful yard full of fruit trees. I stopped and captured the scene. This is a hand-colored image.
Pt. Judith Waves, the only sounds were the waves, gulls and of course the fog horn of the Pt. Judith Lighthouse
New Journey, the Gazela proudly sailed by my boat the Elizabeth B. during the 2012 Tall Ships' Parade of Sail. It was perfect!
Snowy Woods, snowshoeing on a trail at our Adirondack camp on Thanksgiving weekend, what luck is that!
Two Ships, sitting on top of our boat, Elizabeth B, gave me the perfect view of these two Tall Ships. The Lynx and the Unicorn sail side by side during the Tall Ships' Parade of Sail in Newport 2012.
You can find this artwork at www.SouthCountyArt.org
