aquatintassa

Aquatintassa is a term used in contemporary printmaking to denote a hybrid technique that expands upon the traditional aquatint process. The word appears in a small number of artist statements and gallery notes but has no widely accepted definition or standardized protocol. In general usage, aquatintassa refers to methods that combine the tonal control of aquatint with additional direct applications of color, texture, or surface treatment on the printing plate, aiming to extend tonal range and surface variety beyond conventional aquatint.

Origins and usage: The term is not widely documented in major art histories and is described by some practitioners as a post-21st-century development in hybrid intaglio practices. Its exact meaning can vary between artists and institutions.

Technique overview: The core of aquatintassa is the base aquatint ground and acid etching to establish tonal areas. After achieving a base range, the artist applies further elements directly to the plate. This can include water-based inks, pigments, or other materials applied with brush, spray, or wiping to create textures. The plate may be reworked with selective etching or additional surface treatment to integrate the added elements with the underlying tonal structure. The plate is then inked and printed through the standard intaglio process, with attention to color registration when multiple impressions are produced.

Characteristics: The method tends to yield soft, irregular tonal gradations and the integration of color or texture within the aquatint field. Reproducibility can vary depending on the specific procedures used by the artist.

See also: Aquatint, Etching, Intaglio, Mezzotint. Given the term’s obscurity, readers are advised to consult primary artist statements for particular practices attributed to aquatintassa.