Etched

‘Distant’, Angela SmithRecently I’ve been working on an illustration for the Lawler Studio theatre with a dragon theme (nothing to do with it being the Year of the Dragon however). The original concept was inspired by monotone etchings, although the final piece is rendered in two colours.

Untitled, One Pink Goose (flickr)I have never done etching, although it’s something I would really like to do. I love the contrasting textures of etchings, the soft, smudgy expanses, the sharp linework, so for this illustration I tried to emulate the look using pen and ink, and conté. A final layer of colour was applied with watercolour paint. It’s an interesting experience creating a piece of fine art to someone else’s brief: although I’m happy with the final piece, it wasn’t my favoured resolution. (I’ll be able to show you the evolution in March, after publication.)

Here though are some of the lovely etchings that inspired me. My particular favourites were Angela Smith and Tommaso Gorla – both of whom whose work is sinister and surreal, transporting one into a dark fairytale world. Their etchings really tell a thousand words.

Tommaso Gorla‘Amy’s Travels’, Belinda Nye, 2008