When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Ian Rawlinson
  • Course Code W24PTGA13D
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Explore traditional etching techniques including hard ground and aquatint, to create images that utilise line and tone, and to make plates which can be printed as black and white or multi-colour images.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • make an etching plate, exploring the use of hard ground and aquatint
  • explore making marks that describe tone, line, and texture, and experiment with colour printing
  • use the printmaking equipment and workshop safely in relation to self and other studio users
  • make additions and amendments to your image using etching techniques

Class format and activities

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 demonstrations, presentations and lead group discussions. All students record and assess progress via a Learning Statement.

Entry requirements

No previous experience of printmaking is necessary, but an interest in, or experience of drawing or design is essential. Or you may have some previous experience and wish to renew your knowledge of one or more printmaking techniques.

What you need to know before you enrol

Health and safety information will be given at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. You will be asked to sign a form declaring that you agree to follow procedures as advised. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy, and some may cause irritation in very rare cases. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant or have any sensitivities and they will advise you as to necessary precautions.. 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 small paintbrush and a sketchbook or notebook and etching tools if you have them. Don't worry if not, as we have some tools in the department to borrow or buy. Please bring your own protective clothing, apron, rubber gloves etc. The course fee includes most studio consumables (ink, cleaning materials, 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

The continuation classes are W23PTGA08A - 08F, or 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.