Mezzotint is a deeply rewarding form of printmaking—an evocative medium that allows artists to sculpt light directly out of darkness. Developed in the 17th century and favoured by artists for its dramatic tonal range, mezzotint sits somewhere between drawing and sculpture. Its velvety blacks and subtle tonal transitions make it uniquely atmospheric medium.
Unlike most printmaking processes, mezzotint begins not with a blank plate, but with one that has already been darkened. A pre-rocked copper plate is evenly roughened using a tool called a rocker, which creates a surface that will hold ink and print completely black. From this dark starting point, the artist works in reverse—drawing not by adding marks, but by removing them.
Using scrapers and burnishers, artists gradually smooth the surface of the plate, bringing areas of light into focus. The more an area is polished, the less ink it will hold, and the lighter it will appear in the final print. This slow, methodical process encourages careful thought and close observation, offering artists and students alike an opportunity to engage deeply with tone and form.
Our Drawing into Mezzotint course guides students through this unique medium from start to finish. The week begins with a tonal study in pencil or charcoal, helping students to consider how their image will translate into print. Working from a simple object—such as a sphere, cone or cube—students then transfer their design onto the plate and begin the process of carving light into the dark.
As the image develops, students gain confidence in handling the tools and controlling tonal transitions, slowly revealing depth and volume. The course concludes with inking, wiping, and printing the plate—an immensely satisfying moment as the image, shaped over days of quiet concentration, is revealed on paper for the first time.
Mezzotint is a niche process, valued for its quiet intensity and richly tonal results. In a supportive and hands-on studio environment, Drawing in Mezzotint offers the chance to explore a historic medium that continues to captivate artists today.