Rita Vandevorst is a Belgian mezzotint artist and printmaker creating original fine art prints through traditional intaglio techniques including mezzotint, aquatint and etching. Her work explores light, texture, symbolism and atmosphere through meticulously crafted monochrome imagery. Based in Belgium, she has exhibited internationally and has been selected for numerous printmaking exhibitions, juried competitions and graphic art biennials. Discover contemporary mezzotints, aquatints, exlibris and award-winning printmaking works.
Printmaking Techniques
What is Mezzotint?
Rita Vandevorst is a Belgian mezzotint artist known for her refined tonal technique, symbolic imagery and strong chiaroscuro. Her work explores themes of silence, vulnerability and balance, often expressed through recurring bird motifs and poetic compositions.
Mezzotint, also known as la manière noire, is one of the most demanding intaglio techniques. The entire copper plate is first roughened, then gradually polished to create light and shadow.
This unique process allows for subtle gradations and deep blacks, giving the work its characteristic atmosphere and depth.
Each print is produced manually from a copper plate using traditional printmaking methods. The process is slow and meticulous, resulting in rich tonal transitions and a distinctive velvety surface that defines the mezzotint technique.
Rita Vandevorst’s work is rooted in traditional craftsmanship while engaging with contemporary visual language. Her prints are characterized by a quiet intensity and a strong focus on tonal balance.
Through the interplay of darkness and light, she constructs images that invite contemplation and introspection.
All works are printed in limited editions, signed and numbered by the artist. These are original prints, not reproductions.
In addition to autonomous work, Rita Vandevorst creates commissioned exlibris (bookplates) in mezzotint. Each design is developed in close dialogue with the client, resulting in a highly personal and handcrafted print.
Recent Artworks
New mezzotints exploring atmosphere, contrast and symbolic presence.
Events & Awards
Selected highlights from recent international exhibitions, print biennials and juried competitions.
- Selected annually for International Mezzotint Society IMS-Exchanges
- Many annual exhibitions at international print biennials
- Awarded in juried graphic art competitions
Exlibris
A selection of contemporary mezzotint and intaglio exlibris created for collectors and international exchanges.
Featured Aquatints
Selected aquatints exploring tonal depth, atmospheric transitions and layered intaglio textures.
Why Collect Rita Vandevorst’s Prints?
Rita Vandevorst is a Belgian printmaker specializing in mezzotint, aquatint and etching. Her original prints are held in private collections and have been exhibited in international printmaking exhibitions, biennials and juried competitions. Each work is printed in limited editions and reflects a commitment to traditional craftsmanship and contemporary artistic expression.
About Belgian Mezzotint Artist Rita Vandevorst
Rita Vandevorst is a Belgian mezzotint artist known for refined monochrome imagery and contemporary graphic art. Her work is selected for international exhibitions, print biennials and juried competitions across Europe and beyond. She creates original fine art prints in mezzotint, aquatint and other traditional intaglio techniques.
Contact
If you have any questions about prints, please feel free to get in touch. Collectors, galleries, museums and exhibition organizers are welcome to contact the artist for exhibitions, acquisitions and collaborations.
Artist Statement
My work is grounded in a precise and disciplined use of traditional intaglio techniques, with a primary focus on mezzotint (manière noire). I explore how light, tone and material interact within a slow, controlled and craft‑based process. Building an image from deep black toward subtle tonal transitions is central to my practice.
Mezzotint, aquatint and etching allow me to combine technical accuracy, texture and material sensitivity with a direct and restrained visual language. Each print is the result of concentration, time and respect for the craft.
The work remains intentionally understated in meaning: the image communicates through tone, form and material rather than explicit narrative.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Mezzotint is a traditional intaglio technique known for its deep blacks and subtle tonal transitions. The plate is fully roughened and then selectively polished to create light.
Yes. All prints are hand‑pulled from copper plates in small, numbered editions. Each impression is an original artwork.
All mezzotints, aquatints and etchings are hand‑printed on a traditional etching press using carefully selected papers and inks.
Yes. You can contact me via email. Prices and availability are provided upon request.
Occasionally, for example exlibris or special projects. Feel free to inquire.
My work is regularly selected for international exhibitions, print biennials and juried shows. The current list is available on the Exhibitions & Awards page.