Thursday Evening: Beginners and Intermediate Printmaking - 15th April 2027

About this course

The course introduces beginners to etching processes including hard ground, soft ground and aquatint, alongside intaglio and block printing. Learners make plates or blocks and explore different ways of printing, while returning and advanced participants can develop individual projects across different media. Teaching combines demonstrations, presentations, group discussions and critiques with one-to-one technical and critical guidance. Learners record and review their progress through a Learning Statement, and consider techniques, artists’ work and their own and peers’ work.

What you'll learn

• Create plates and blocks for a range of printmaking processes
• Print using different methods, including etching and intaglio techniques
• Develop personal projects across different media
• Use printmaking equipment and workshop facilities safely
• Evaluate printmaking techniques and make informed critical decisions about work

Is this course right for you?

The course is designed for beginners, returning learners and advanced participants, with teaching adjusted through group and individual guidance. Beginners can explore fundamental printmaking techniques, while those with previous experience can renew their knowledge or work on specific projects. An interest in or experience of drawing or design may be useful.

• No previous printmaking experience is necessary
• Returning learners can revisit techniques and develop existing projects
• Advanced learners can receive guidance on their own printmaking work

Before you go

• Learners should bring pencils, a small paintbrush, a sketchbook or notebook, their own printmaking and drawing tools, an apron, rubber cleaning gloves, and thin nitrile or latex gloves for inking.
• Most studio consumables, including ink, cleaning materials and solvents, are included. Paper, etching plates and lino blocks must be purchased separately from the department at cost price.
• Health and safety guidance is provided, and learners must agree to follow the stated procedures. Some chemicals may be harmful during pregnancy or irritating for people with sensitivities, so these should be discussed with the tutor.
• The print studio is not wheelchair accessible and is on the second and third floors. Learners with mobility issues should contact the department before enrolling.