As I mentioned in a previous entry, I’m taking an etching class. I’m focusing on learning basic techniques, because the first time I took an etching class I felt overwhelmed with all the different techniques. The etchings are actually based on the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History. Basically I went to the museum with the metal plates covered in ground. I drew up a pretty loose composition on my small sketchbook which is the same size as the plates. Then I ripped out the sketches, taped them over the plates (along with transfer paper) and finished up the drawings. I etched the plate once I got back home. The panther plate took a bit of time to do because of the amount of detail in the diorama. I’m thinking of making a whole series of museum etchings.