Printing 3 ways: etching, photo etching and relief

About this course

Participants explore relief printing, including linocut and woodcut, alongside hard- and soft-ground etching, aquatint, sugar lift, drypoint, monotype and photo etching. They work from drawings and photographs, developing ideas through sketchbooks and visual research. Teaching combines demonstrations, presentations, guided exercises and individual projects. Participants learn to prepare plates, transfer imagery and print using specialist presses, with opportunities to work across traditional and digital approaches. Personal goals are developed with tutor feedback, while group discussions and sharing work support reflection on the processes explored.

What you'll learn

• Create etching plates using hard-ground and soft-ground techniques
• Transfer drawn and photographic imagery through photo etching and photopolymer processes
• Apply tonal methods including aquatint
• Print from prepared plates using specialist presses
• Develop printmaking projects by combining traditional and digital processes

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for adults aged 19 and over, from complete beginners to learners with some printmaking experience. Participants work through demonstrations and guided exercises before developing individual projects, with group discussions and sharing of work included.

• No previous experience is required
• Participants should be able to follow instructions and health and safety guidance
• The course includes group discussions and sharing work at the end
• There is no required work outside class

Before you go

• Basic materials are provided at the start, including an A5 metal plate for learning techniques.
• The studio provides etching presses, specialist tools, personal protective equipment and other safety equipment where required.
• Additional plates, papers and tools may be purchased through the college at cost price as projects develop.
• Some processes use solvents.