What is pigment?
A pigment is a material that changes the color of light by selectively absorbing certain wavelengths and reflecting others. Unlike phosphorescence or fluorescence, where materials emit light, pigments work by altering the light that passes through or is reflected from them. In art, pigments are chosen for their special properties, such as high tinting strength, making them ideal for coloring various materials.
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Mezzotint is a printmaking technique in which a copper or steel plate is roughened to produce a solid black print. The artist smooths specific areas of the plate to create a range of tones, from deep blacks to delicate grays and whites. By varying the degree of smoothing, the artist can achieve detailed gradations of light and shadow, resulting in prints with rich, velvety textures and subtle transitions between light and dark.
Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking technique where an image is incised onto a plate using a sharp, pointed tool, typically a needle made of metal or diamond. Traditionally, copper plates were used, but today zinc, plexiglass, or acetate are also common. Drypoint is easier for drawing artists to master compared to engraving, as the needle technique resembles drawing with a pencil rather than the more complex burin used in engraving.
