Etching workshop: summer school intensive

About this course

Participants develop drawings, sketches or visual ideas into etched images using hard ground, soft ground and aquatint. The course covers creating designs on metal plates, preparing paper, applying ink and printing with an etching press. Teaching combines demonstrations, practical application, written instructions, and one-to-one and group discussion. Learners examine how different etching processes produce line, tone and texture, and consider the results of their own work.

What you'll learn

• Create an image on a metal plate for etching
• Apply hard ground, soft ground and aquatint to produce line, tone and texture
• Etch a design into metal
• Prepare paper for intaglio printing
• Ink and print a processed etching plate
• Operate an etching press safely for intaglio printing

Is this course right for you?

The course is aimed at beginners, with the level label indicating an introduction to the subject rather than a confirmed requirement for previous experience. Learners take part in practical work, demonstrations, and one-to-one and group discussion. People with previous etching experience are also welcome to refresh or develop their skills.

• Basic drawing skills may be useful but are not essential
• Learners need to follow written and verbal instructions in English for health and safety and printmaking procedures
• Previous etching experience is welcome for refreshing or extending existing skills

Before you go

• Basic materials are provided
• Bring sketches, photographs or other visual resources as starting points for the first session