Etching with Permeable Grounds

Printmaker Richard Stauffacher has compiled years of experience in etching and preparing grounds into his book Etching with Permeable Grounds, which contains step-by-step instructions and illustrations for making his custom recipes for permeable grounds. Stauffacher has expanded the time-honored methods employed by artists Frank Cassara and Ruth Leaf to come up with an easy-to-make permeable ground, PG-11, and a companion nonpermeable stopout, SO-11. The book contains images from 73 experimental plates detailing examples of how to make a multitude of pictorial and textural effects with common materials and found objects. It also includes seven complete etchings with in-depth illustrations of steps and methods, along with information on transfer methods, plate preparation, one-step and multi-step strategies, tips and tricks, and troubleshooting. With seven appendices that include recipes, timing charts, and experiments, Etching with Permeable Grounds is a wealth of technical innovation and practical advice for the experienced etcher. Richard Stauffacher was Master Printer at Island International Artists for seven years and currently pursues printmaking in his studio in Fayetteville, Arkansas.