Hand Pressed Art

My Printing Process

Hand-Drawn Sketches

My copper etching printing process starts with meticulous hand-drawn sketches. I create these artworks using dip pens and carbon black ink, following an old-school style. This method ensures precise planning of every line and detail, emphasizing light and shadow contrasts. Working exclusively in two tones, I avoid mid-tones and shading to capture sharp contrasts. Whether drawing animals or landscapes, I focus on light-shadow relationships. This approach enhances perspective and expansiveness, reflecting my unique vision in each piece.

Transferring to Copper Plates and Acid-Resistant Tracing

The copper etching printing process continues with transferring the hand-drawn artwork onto high-quality 1mm red copper plates. After photographing the original sketch, I digitally adjust it to the desired size and create a print. This print is then transferred to the copper plate. I meticulously redraw the design using acid-resistant ink, applied with a dipping pen and brush. Once dry, the inked areas resist acid, while exposed areas are etched.

This multi-hour acid etching process requires constant checking and adjustments. I rinse the plate with acid neutralizer and tweak the ink as needed. After reaching the desired etching depth, I rinse and clean the plate. I use a manual saw to trim the edges, ensuring clean areas for the final print.

The entire process is time-consuming and demands meticulous attention. Sometimes, if etching does not go as planned, the plate becomes irreparable, and I must start over.

Inking and Pressing the Plates

In my copper etching printing process, I ink the copper plates using Cranfield Traditional Letterpress Ink. This high-quality ink, known for its rich, deep blacks, highlights the intricate details of my copper relief-etching technique. Unlike traditional intaglio methods, I use a roller to apply the ink to the raised surfaces of the etched plate. This ensures sharp, clean lines and striking contrast.

For pressing, I use a Fome roller press that applies significant pressure to transfer the ink from the plate to the paper. This press accommodates plates up to 1.7cm thick and ensures even pressure for consistent results. The mechanical hand press allows precise control, making each print detailed and vibrant.

The inked plates are manually pressed onto 100% cotton, 300gsm cold-pressed artist paper. The high pressure not only transfers the ink but also creates a subtle embossing effect, adding a tactile dimension to the artwork. Due to the manual nature of this process, no two prints are exactly alike, making each one a unique piece of art. This meticulous process maintains the integrity and detail of the original design while offering a distinct, handcrafted quality.

Branding, Signature, and Limited Edition

I sign every piece of artwork to add authenticity and a personal touch. A distinctive feature of my signature is its placement and orientation on the copper plate. I engrave my initials in reverse, using “BA” instead of “AB,” reflecting the original order of my name in my homeland, Bartolich Ábel. This reversed engraving with acid-resistant ink and acid etching creates a double-reversed signature, subtly embedding the name “Abel” in the final print.

On the back of each print, I add a handwritten signature and essential information about the artwork, including the title, year and place of creation, and the print’s number in the limited edition series. Additionally, I affix a round seal that encompasses my artistic logo with the brand name “Hard Pressed Art by Abel Bartolich.” Each series is strictly limited to 100 prints, excluding test prints. If a print is damaged, it is destroyed, and a new print with the same number is created, ensuring that only 100 pristine copies exist. Once the edition reaches its limit, no further prints are made, enhancing the value and exclusivity of each piece.