Photographic etching workshop

What is the course about?

This course provides a solid introduction to photo etching. Make a photo-mechanical transfer of your hand-drawn, photocopied or photo-based images to etching plate and photo-etch your own design/imagery into zinc metal safely, using nitric acid.
Then inking and printing the resulting etched metal plates onto paper, via an etching press, to produce a series of prints.
Experiment with colour application and various ways to enhance and develop your printed work-in-progress.

What will we cover?

- How to make an intaglio photo-etching from photocopied imagery, or from images scanned/uploaded to computer to apply digital image adjustments as part of art work preparation for transfer to a photo-etching plate.
- Developing and etching imagery onto photo-plate using acid
- Inking and printing the etched plates
- Using the etched plates to explore the creative possibilities of colour intaglio inking, relief inking and collage (Chine collé) as a way of adding visual interest to your print work.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Transfer your own source imagery onto a metal plate for etching
• Produce artwork on a transparency in order to process a photo-etching plate
• Etch an image/design into metal using acid
• Prepare paper for intaglio printing
• Use single and multi-colour to Ink up your processed etching plate/s
• Safely use an etching press to print your etching plates and produce a set of prints.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is particularly useful for those who have never tried etching and wish to develop something from their sketchbook or other visual source like photography by taking it through to a different medium. Alternatively you may have experience with traditional etching and want to learn how to incorporate photographic process.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Individual and group guidance from the tutor.
Examples of the medium will be shown and explained.
Procedures will be demonstrated as you begin the process of plate making and printing.
You will be shown examples of etching and photo-etching prints and plates as an aid to your own course work. Informal group review of work-in-progress as the course progresses.
You may wish to complete preparation tasks between the two sessions.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Learners should bring source imagery for reference/visual inspiration (sketches, postcard, magazine cutting, photo etc.) to the first session to make a start on their project work. All basic materials are provided.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Your tutor will give individual guidance on selecting future subject related courses.