Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

How is inadequate wiping related to dry-point etching?

1. It creates a clearer image

2. It causes the background to become too dark

3. It leads to a faster printing process

4. It improves the sharpness of lines

The correct answer is: It causes the background to become too dark

Inadequate wiping in dry-point etching directly affects the final print by allowing ink to remain on the surface of the plate where it is not intended. When the artist does not wipe the plate sufficiently, the excess ink that is left behind can lead to a darker background area on the final print. This occurs because the ink fills the grooves of the etched lines, but if not properly wiped, it also coats the flat areas, resulting in a background that is more saturated and darkened. This factor is crucial for artists to consider, as the contrast between the etched lines and the background affects the overall composition and visual impact of the artwork. The other potential choices do not accurately reflect the consequences of inadequate wiping in the process of dry-point etching. For instance, it does not create a clearer image or improve sharpness; instead, it complicates the print's fidelity to the artist's intention and may distort the desired aesthetic.