The spelling of the word "dry points" may seem confusing at first, but it follows a simple logic. The word is pronounced as /draɪ pɔɪnts/ and refers to an etching technique in printmaking. The spelling of "dry" comes from the fact that this technique involves etching onto a metal plate without using acid, which creates a rough surface resembling dryness. The word "points" refers to the needle-like tool used to create the etching. So, "dry points" simply refers to the use of the dry etching technique with points.
Dry points refer to the raised points or small burrs that remain on a surface, particularly a metal surface, after it has been subjected to a drypoint etching technique. Drypoint is a printmaking process that involves scratching or incising lines into a plate using a hard-pointed needle or other sharp object. These pointed marks create a series of furrows or channels into the plate's surface, which can then be inked and transferred onto paper through a printing press.
The drypoint process typically yields a series of delicate and fine lines on the plate's surface. Once ink is applied onto the plate, the inked lines fill with the medium, and any excess ink is wiped off the surface. The remaining inked lines are then pressed onto a sheet of paper, resulting in a print. Dry points are characterized by their distinctive raised edges, or burrs, which are created as the needle scratches into the metal.
Dry points offer a unique aesthetic compared to other printmaking techniques. The precise and delicate quality of the lines produced by drypoint etching, along with the distinct texture of the raised edges, contribute to the visual appeal and tactile nature of the resulting print. Artists often exploit these characteristics to create expressive and tactile imagery in their prints. Additionally, the repeated and systematic scratching of the needle on the plate's surface can result in a rich, dense, and textured layering effect, enhancing the overall visual impact of the final artwork.
The word "dry points" has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. To provide an accurate etymology, it would be helpful to have more information on the specific meaning or field in which you are referring to.