I always find it very exciting to pull the first test print from a new plate, especially when I’m working with a new technique. I pulled a test print from the mezzotint plate I’ve been working and am pleased with the results thus far.

I’ve been applying the scraper and burnisher very lightly because I’m still developing a feel for how the scraping and burnishing affect the plate and it is better to work from light to dark than to try to recover dark areas lost.

The print is very dark but there is much subtle detail in the back that I intend to leave as is. Other areas I need to work further and bring the light into.

Detail from upper right-hand corner.

    Here is a side by side view of print and plate.