New Grounds: The Manual for Non-Toxic Etching

by Regina Held, Ray Maseman

This manual presents a comprehensive and detailed approach to making etchings safely. It is based on the methods employed and taught by New Grounds. We are grateful for all the wonderful successes and mistakes New Grounds artists have produced in the course of almost two decades that have greatly contributed to the knowledge base of this book. With detailed lists, step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting sections, this book offers valuable information for etchers on all levels. It is invaluable for those wishing to make the transition from toxic to non-toxic etching, and it is suited as a textbook for a college level etching class.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Randolph King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is a text for a class taught by New Grounds. But it does stand on its own very well.

The book start off with a historical introduction, then chapters describing techniques to etch and print a plate. After that it goes on to describe different techniques to create and apply grounds: hardground, aquatint, spit bite, softground, crayon softground, liftground, Crisco liftground, color proofing, Chine Collé and finally curing the print. Each chapter goes into step-by-step details to create the ground, etching, timing considerations and finally some common problems and their solutions.

This is a great book for beginners as well as intermediate-level printers. Maybe advanced, I can’t speak to that.

[Alison Sloggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, very thourogh descriptions in the techniques that they employ, you could easily follow along. Not many pictures, it is text based book but easy to read.