Most people are familiar with the Italian method of dot technique for bulino style engraving. Another traditional technique for creating photorealistic scenes is more graver-centric. This method uses lines instead of dots, and it will be the focus of Alain Lovenberg's 2008 Grand Masters course.

With the traditional Italian style of bulino engraving, the graver is sharpened to a needle-like point and usually has no heel. To create the style, the graver pricks a small hole that contributes the overall effect. The line method has been used for centuries, and is a great way to depict anything in metal.

Through out the five days of the course, Lovenberg will discuss theories and give illustrations as to how each line depicts volume, texture, and even color. For instance, changing the arc of a line can suggest one thing, while a smooth ripple in a long cut can imply another. Thinner, widely spaced lines might represent a lighter color such as yellow or peach. Thicker, closely spaced lines could depict a shadow.

These line qualities can be hard to analyze without experience using your graver in this way, but they certainly make for creative engraving. Try to analyze such engravings yourself when you come upon them. Note the depth, thickness, rhythm, length, and other similar qualities when examining the lines and then experiment with duplicating the results. You may be surprised with what you discover.