Drypoint is a
printmaking technique of the
intaglio family, in which an image is incised into a plate (or "matrix") with a hard-pointed "needle" of sharp metal or diamond point. Traditionally the plate was
copper, but now
acetate,
zinc, or
plexiglas are also commonly used. Like
etching, drypoint is easier for an artist trained in drawing to master than
engraving, as the technique of using the needle is closer to using a pencil than the
engraver's burin.