Sam Francis

Untitled, 1984

106.7 X 73 inch

What is Stuckism?

What is Stuckism?

Stuckism is an art movement that promotes figurative painting over conceptual art. It was founded in 1999 by Charles Thomson and Billy Childish with an initial group of 13 artists in Britain. The movement has since expanded to 52 countries with 233 groups worldwide. Several manifestos, issued by Thomson and Childish, advocate for the spirit of modernism and the creation of spiritual art, regardless of medium, subject matter, or style. Stuckism emphasizes the importance of genuine expression and rejects the dominance of conceptual art in the contemporary art scene.

Etching and Aquatint

Etching and aquatint are printmaking techniques. In aquatint, the printing plate is etched with a pattern of tiny pits and cracks to create a wide range of tonal gradations. This technique allows artists to replicate the broad, flat tones found in watercolor paintings and ink washes.

Engraving

Engraving is a printmaking technique where a metal plate or surface is directly cut using a sharp engraving tool called a burin. The tool creates deep lines or grooves, which are then filled with ink. The plate is pressed onto paper with heavy pressure, transferring the inked image. This process results in a clear and precise print.

Drypoint

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.

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