Etching & Intaglio Printmaking (May 2017)

Intaglio Printmaking is a family of printing techniques in which marks are incised into a metal plate. Using a fine point needle and various other tools, drawings and images are transferred through a thin protective ground to expose copper. With the help of a chemical bath, marks and images are etched into the metal with a remarkable amount of detail.

Working more spontaneously, artists can scratch images directly on the plate, transfer textures onto the plate, or paint directly on their plates with resists and mordants.

Beginning with basic line etching, students will learn and practice traditional plate making and printing processes. Through chine collé, aquatint, dry point, soft ground, and experimentation, student will add tonality, color, and varied marks to their images. While no prior printing experience is needed, students who do have intaglio experience can revisit the foundational skills with a more nuanced understanding of the process, and move on to independent projects.