Etching on zinc using copper sulphate and salt mordant. A spider has four pairs of hairy legs with spines which are made up of several articulated segments with claws on the tip. They are used for movement, capturing prey and defence and are important for grooming. They have a sensory ability for touch and taste. They also sense air movements and water vibrations.

Collagraph using PVA and carborundum grit experimenting with the technique to explore its potential to create a tonal, textural image. When inking up the plate grit holds ink whilst it can be wiped off the smoother surface of PVA. There is a tactile quality to the image suggesting weathered surfaces.

Linocut allows a dramatic use of black and white in the design of an image. This study illustrates the extraordinary ability of this spider to catch aquatic prey, often larger than itself. Fine marks depict the down covering all of the spider’s body. This cocoons the spider in a layer of air as it dives underwater providing an effective water resistant layer.

Wood engraving. The precise marks made in this method of printmaking allow a methodical, analytic drawing of the spider’s jaws and palps. At the bottom of the jaws the fangs are visible which are used for injecting venom into prey.

Etching on copper using ferric chloride and citric mordant. There are two sections to the body of the spider, the cephalothorax, which includes the head, and abdomen. The image illustrates the characteristic banding on its body giving effective camouflage when the spider rests amongst the water margins of pools mimicking reflections around the plant growth.

Collagraph using PVA, grasses, string, and carborundum grit building a relief image on card. The varied textures on the plate allow use of layers of colour applied with wiping and surface rolling. This creates an impression of a blurred underwater world with shadowy colours and forms of weeds and algae.