Wednesday Afternoon Printmaking: Experimental Etching

When & Where

22 February 2023 - 29 March 2023 ( 16.5 hours, 6 weeks )
Afternoon, Wednesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Brian McKenzie
Course Code W22PTGE03H
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Etching can be a very tight and rigorous process. This half term course encourages learners to break the traditional rules a little and experiment with making images in a less conventional way. Discover how to use and abuse grounds, solvents and other etching materials in new and unusual ways then adapt and build on the results to create amazing imagery. Understand the importance of etching timings, grounds, tools and papers. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students work and learn together in a friendly, vibrant, well equipped studio environment. Students are welcome to pursue their own printmaking projects assisted by the tutor whose aim is to help everyone gain deeper understanding, greater confidence and full outlet for their creative vision in a wide range of wonderful printmaking processes.

Cost

Full fee

£170

Concession fee

£130

Class format and activities

Students will be making blocks, plates and prints and use the studio equipment needed to do this. Teaching is both in groups and on an individual, one-to-one basis, with technical and critical advice depending on your needs. The tutor will give some demonstrations, presentations and lead group discussions.

Entry requirements

No previous experience of printmaking is necessary, but an interest, or experience of drawing or design is useful. You may have some previous experience and want to develop and practice your own choice of technique as a printmaker.

What you need to know before you enrol

This session does not include lithography. Health & Safety information will be given at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. You may be asked to sign a form declaring that you agree to follow procedures as advised. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant and they will advise you as to necessary precautions. Some of the presses and processes require a modicum of physical strength; if you are struggling the tutor will assist. Some people find drypoint difficult if they have low wrist/hand strength. Note: at present there is no wheelchair access to the print studio, and the studios are on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building. If you have any mobility issues please contact the department prior to enrolling.

What you need

Please bring pencils, a variety of paintbrushes, a sketchbook or notebook and a portfolio. Protective clothing is provided or you can bring your own apron and gloves. The course fee includes most studio consumables (basic inks, solvents etc) but you will have to pay for paper, etching plates/ lino blocks etc. These are available to buy in the department at cost price. Further requirements will be discussed at the first and subsequent classes.

What you can do next

You can enrol on any of the subsequent Beginners courses, Mixed Levels or All Levels courses on any day. There are also various short courses, which generally focus on single techniques. Please talk to your tutor for more advice on what to do next. You might choose to enrol on a course and focus entirely on your own particular favourite processes and techniques. There are follow-on Wednesday day courses with the same tutor on different topics