Collagraphs and Drypoint Etching - Beeston Library - Adult Learning

The Collagraphs and Drypoint Etching course is an ideal introduction for anyone wanting to explore these two intaglio printmaking techniques, (where the ink is applied to the plate, rubbed in and gently wiped back to reveal the image, then printed). Making and printing collagraphs will give you the opportunity to explore texture and surface, and drypoint etching will enable you to experiment with line, tone and mark making.

During the course you will make a range of your own collagraph plates, from mountboard, packaging and tetra packs, experimenting with using textured papers and scribed marks to create an image from visual source materials. You will then use them to print both black and white and coloured prints onto paper and fabric. You will also work directly from visual source material to develop your drypoint etching onto an aluminum plate, experimenting with scribed lines, mark making and how to use these to create tone. You will then learn to ink and print black and white images and explore the chine colle technique to add colour. You will learn and explore these processes through looking at and discussing other printmakers' work and by demonstrations, personal experimentation and individual tuition on how to make and print your collagraph and drypoint etching plates.

By the end of the course everyone will have produced good quality, finished prints to mount and exhibit or to give as gifts. What will learners achieve by the end of the course? You will be able to: Discuss how other printmakers have explored the collagraph and drypoint etching process. Use visual source material to create ideas and imagery for collagraph and drypoint etching plates. Use textured papers and thread and scribed (scratched) lines to create a collagraph plate. Mix and use water soluble etching inks to print collagraph and drypoint etching plates effectively and safely onto paper.. Experiment with the chine colle process to develop creative drypoint etchings. Use vocational language and terminology effectively to discuss and explain your work.

What you will need to bring to the course:

Apron or big shirt

Pencil, rubber

A chunky Nail

A4 cartridge paper pad Rowney Daler

1 sheet

Disposable gloves (like surgical gloves)

Mountboard A3 (hobby craft, Amazon)

Small tube of PVA

A4 pieces of white cotton - if you want to print onto fabric

A4 pieces of calico - if you want to print onto fabric

Suggested Reading:

1). Collagraphs and mixed-media printmaking / by B. Hartill & R. Clarke. Library Catalogue.

2 Etching: an artist's guide / Ann Norfield. Library catalogue.