During five Wednesday morning sessions you will be introduced to four of the core intaglio processes. Drypoint, hard ground etching, soft ground etching and aquatint. The last session will explore advanced inking methods using plates made during previous sessions.
The course covers all the basics as well as some advanced techniques with helpful tips and tricks making the course suitable for beginners, experienced printmakers and those wanting to refresh their knowledge.
The course runs from 10.30 – 1pm
Week one
Drypoint
A great introduction to the principles of intaglio. Drypoint is the most direct of all the processes learn on the course. Using a sharp point you create an image by scratching into a soft metal plate. It is this line within the metal that holds ink during the printing process.It is known for its rich, velvety line quality when printed.
Week 2
Hard ground etching
You will learn how to prepare a metal plate and apply a thin layer of traditional hard ground wax before drawing your image into the wax . The plate is then ‘etched’ in acid to create incised lines into the metal plate, unlike dry point. The line quality in hard ground etching is very sharp and fine.
Week 3
Soft ground etching
Similar to hard ground etching but using a softer wax ground that allows a range of creative and expressive marks to be created. Soft ground wax can be used to transfer drawings and is capable of capturing pencil like marks. as well as taking impressions of textures such as lace, flowers and leaves or more.
Week 4
Aquatint
Aquatint is the technique used to achieve areas of tone and is often used in combination with hard and soft ground etching. A fine spray of acid-resistant dots are applied to the metal plate – areas of tone are then selected by blocking out others using an acid resistant varnish. The plate is then etching in acid. The longer the etched the darker the tone created.
Week 5
Developing and combining intaglio processes
Once you have made your etching plates there are many ways of printing these to create your finished print. This can include experimenting with different inks and papers.
The last session of this course will allow you to explore and develop the processes you have learnt during the first four sessions. You will have expert guidance from the tutor helping you to further your skills, explore the creative potential of the intaglio process and find your own unique approach. The tutor will respond to your interests and offer technical advice and tuition to support your own personal development.
