Drypoint is a printmaking technique that involves incising a design directly onto a plate, typically made of metal or plastic. The artist uses a sharp tool called a burin to create lines and textures, which hold ink during the printing process. Once the plate is prepared, ink is applied and then wiped off the surface, leaving ink only in the incised lines.
To create a print, damp paper is placed on top of the inked plate and run through a printing press. The pressure transfers the ink from the plate to the paper, resulting in a unique artwork. Drypoint prints are known for their rich, velvety lines and can vary in appearance based on the depth of the incisions.