The link below is to a great site if you're short on time but want your friends to think you're part of the museum smart set. The website lets you explore the museum's art collections. Also techniques, conversations and videos. 
"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music." ~Angela Monet~
I just placed an order with McClain's for blocks and paper for my next woodblock prints. This will be the hardest and most time intensive project I've attempted. Ten color blocks plus the key block. I have a good picture in my mind of what I want to do, just worried (as usual) about registration. "In thePark' (at left) was printed with four blocks and my hardest to date.
Drypoint etching is an intaglio technique used in preparing metal plates for printmaking by means of which lines are scratched directly into the plate. Thicker lines are made by applying more pressure to the burin (graver) or etching needle (also a roulette, chalk roll and matting wheel). Thus incising the cold metal creates ragged ridges, called the burr, thrown up along to edge the furrows cut into it. The burr is removed in copperplate engraving but not in drypoint, where it is kept to produce soft, blurred line and painterly effects. 
Below is a link to a wonderful site on art history. You can view different time periods or artists. Lots of information. I can remember laborious hours studying this in college. This is much easier!
