top of page
Writer's pictureThe Artists' Gallery

An Etched Journey: The Art of Morna Rhys

Exploring Landscape, Light, and Imagination through Copper Plate Etching


From a life-long love of drawing to the intricate craft of copper plate etching, Morna Rhys has spent decades perfecting her craft. Inspired by a single etching class in the early '90s, Morna has been steadily building a portfolio defined by landscapes, mountains, seas, and light. Her etchings capture the atmospheric beauty of the world around us, from the glow of moonlight on water to the sun's first light brushing over mountain peaks.


An amber and green beaded necklace on a slate stone.

Beginnings in Art and Etching

Morna’s journey with art began at 16, when she attended Art School, but it wasn’t until she discovered etching that her creativity found its true focus. “I started etching in the early 1990s,” she recalls, “after seeing the work of Cornish printmaker Sue Lewington. I attended a course at the Oxford Printmakers Co-op, and I haven't stopped since." She was hooked. This practice became a natural extension of her love for drawing and brought her unique visions of nature to life.


Drawing Inspiration from the Mountains and the Sea

Morna’s creative spark often finds its fuel outdoors. “I draw inspiration from walking and drawing,” she shares, with her subject matter often rooted in her favorite natural scenes—mountains, the sea, and changing light. Her compositions capture moments of transition: moonlight shimmering on water, dawn light spilling across a landscape, or the hushed tranquility of evening.


A pair of malachite and bead earrings on a marbled background

The Joys and Challenges of the Etching Process

Emma’s designs often draw on the traditional pieces she admires in museums, where classic shapes and functionality serve as inspiration. Colour comes down to mood – right now, she’s into a honey and black combination, which brings warmth and richness to her pieces. But it’s the organic process of wood-firing and salt-glazing that she truly loves. “After all, who doesn’t enjoy a fire and the smell of wood smoke?” she quips.


A Day in the Studio

Morna divides her time between the Oxford Printmakers Co-op and her home studio. Her ideal day starts at sunrise, drawing outdoors, capturing the beauty of the early morning light before heading into the studio to translate these sketches into intricate etchings. A day in the studio often involves Radio 3 or 4 as her background companion and is fuelled by morning coffee and afternoon tea, with the occasional sandwich or biscuit to keep her going.



Morna holds up a finished oiece in her studio


Keeping Inspired

For Morna, finding inspiration is a mix of her own exploration and admiration for other artists. The late Norman Ackroyd’s work, in particular, has had a lasting impact on her. Being part of the Oxford Printmakers community and attending artist residencies in places like Corris, Wales, and Cape Cornwall has also been a source of encouragement and growth.



A pair of blue chalcedony and bead earrings on a marbled background


Morna Rhys’s etchings draw viewers into a world shaped by the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Through copper plate etching, she captures these fleeting moments of light and landscape, making them tangible and timeless. Whether in galleries or online, Morna’s work continues to inspire and captivate those who encounter it. Explore her pieces and discover the artistry that flows from her early-morning sketches to her intricate etchings - a journey shaped by a passion for landscapes and an enduring commitment to the craft.


You can explore more of Morna’s remarkable work at MornaRhys.co.uk, or catch her on Instagram, where she regularly shares glimpses into her world of landscapes, light, and copper plate etching.


Comentários

Avaliado com 0 de 5 estrelas.
Não foi possível carregar comentários
Parece que houve um problema técnico. Tente reconectar ou atualizar a página.
bottom of page