PHOTO-ETCHINGS (see process described below)

Solar Plate Etching Process (Photo-Etching)

A solar plate is a polymer light-sensitive plate which is etched and inked, then run through a printing press. The images start with a negative or transparency which is scanned into Photoshop. There is usually some manipulation that is done in Photoshop, be it combining images or correcting color cast or contrast. A service bureau prints out a halftone transparency of the finished Photoshop image. This is used to lay on the solar plate and then the solar plate is exposed to UV light (either in direct sunlight or in a UV box). Rather than use acids to etch the plate, water is used to wash away the unexposed polymer. The longer the plate is in the water, the deeper the plate is etched. The plate is then dried and re-exposed to harden it. Finally, it is inked & run through a printing press. Another name for this process is “polymer photogravure”.

These etchings are based on photographs taken of the California Missions. They are printed on Arches Watercolor paper. Image sizes are 5” x 7” and 7” x 5”.

Weaving Room

Cloak Room

Hallway, Carmel Mission

Bedroom

Mission Bell

Father Serra’s Last Room

Mission Facade, San Miguel Mission

Soulful Room

Departure

LISA RIGGE