This full term course is perfect for anyone wanting to begin or improve their journey into the wonderful world of etching. Beginners, experienced and advanced etchers can all expect to learn the basics or improve and adapt their existing expertise and understanding of this super technique of using nitric acid to etch zinc plates. Discover how to make and develop potentially complex, long-lasting, professional quality plates and prints. Gain deep understanding in multiple etching processes, tool use and care, acid timings, inking and wiping and more. The course will cover drawing based hard and soft ground, tonal aquatint processes like sugar-lift and spit bite plus experimental etching. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students work and learn together in a lovely, vibrant, well equipped studio environment. Students can choose to pursue their own printmaking projects assisted by the tutor who encourages students to gain deeper understanding, greater confidence and full outlet for their creative vision in a wide range of super printmaking processes.
Wednesday Morning Printmaking: Etching- Into Oblivion
When & Where
- 15 January 2025 - 12 February 2025 ( 13.75 hours, 5 weeks )
- Morning, Wednesday
- View course timetable
- Waterloo Centre
Quick Facts
- Availability Yes
- Course Code W24PTGE03C
- Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
What you will learn
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- understand how to make and print etching plates
- develop your own print project, broaden printmaking skills and strengthen critical decision making
- use the printmaking equipment and workshop safely
- engage in group crits, projects, demonstrations and discussions around technique and other students work
Cost
Class format and activities
Students will make blocks, plates and prints and use the studio equipment needed to do this. Teaching is both in groups and on an individual, one-to-one basis, with technical and critical advice depending on your needs. The tutor will give some demonstrations, presentations and lead group discussions.
Entry requirements
No previous experience of printmaking is necessary, but an interest or experience of drawing or design is useful. You may have some previous experience and want to develop and practice your own choice of technique as a printmaker.
What you need to know before you enrol
The teaching does not include lithography. Health & Safety information will be given at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. You will be asked to sign a form declaring that you agree to follow procedures as advised. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant and they will advise you as to necessary precautions. Some of the presses and processes require physical strength; the tutor will assist if you need help. Note: at present there is no wheelchair access to the print studio, and the studios are on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building. If you have any mobility issues please contact the department prior to enrolling. Payment for materials must be made using cash.
What you need
You could well need pencils and pens, a variety of small brushes, a sketchbook or notebook and a portfolio to take work home in. The course fee includes most studio consumables (basic inks, solvents etc) but you will have to pay for paper, etching plates, lino blocks etc. These are available to buy in the department at cost price. Further requirements will be discussed at the first and subsequent classes.