Etching : An Introduction – Christmas

About this course

The course introduces etching on zinc, including plate preparation, hard ground and soft ground techniques for line and texture, and aquatint for tonal effects. Participants also explore monochrome, colour, steel plate colour and two-plate printing, as well as Chine Collé. Teaching combines guided demonstrations with workshop practice, allowing participants to develop plates and print their own etchings using a press. Experienced learners may follow demonstrations or work independently on their own projects.

What you'll learn

• Prepare zinc plates for etching
• Use hard ground and soft ground techniques to create line and texture
• Apply aquatint to produce tonal effects
• Create monochrome and colour prints, including steel plate colour
• Use two-plate printing and Chine Collé processes

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and for learners returning to or refreshing their etching skills. Experienced participants are also welcome and may work independently on their own projects. Participants need to be able to retain processing steps and work independently to help minimise health and safety risks in the studio.

• Suitable for learners refreshing previous etching skills
• Experienced participants may follow demonstrations or develop their own projects
• Requires independent working in a studio using chemicals and processing steps

Before you go

• Bring a selection of 2H, HB, 2B and 6B pencils, plus a sketchbook or notebook.
• Bring basic paintbrushes, which can also be purchased from the School Shop.
• A drawing or image may be brought for reference.
• Basic etching tools are available to borrow, or participants may bring their own.
• Etching can be messy; an apron is recommended. Rubber gloves are available from the School Shop.
• Some chemicals may adversely affect people with asthma; affected participants should wear a protective mask.
• People who are pregnant may need to seek medical advice before enrolling.