In this intensive one-week course students will study the main intaglio methods of etching, aquatint, sugar lift and dry point. Working on metal is inspiring and its technical complexity stimulates our imagination with greater flexibility. The process broadens the expressive scope of the drawing language and in the dialog between a quick sketch and the etched metal plate, we can rediscover the subject with renewed depth. We will explore the dynamic sensitivities of the intaglio marks; from fine, accurate and subtle, to an extremely intense and irregular, and we will encourage their distinct characteristics to increase the visual impact of the composition. Students will also experiment with colours and layers, combining etching with monoprint, surface roll-ups, and chine colle, to create more spontaneous, painterly interpretations. Etching has influenced many artists towards stronger realisation of their ideas, and we will be looking at range of references to understand how they approached, and resolved various pictorial challenges such as contrast, space and rhythm.

Please note: Our Print Room has limited access and etching involves using hazardous chemicals. The print room environment is not suitable for everyone. Etching classes are unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those sensitive to chemicals or with breathing difficulties. 

Unfortunately, we do not offer concessions on our holiday courses.

All of our course rates are subsidised and we also offer a comprehensive concessions scheme on term-time courses. View all course fees and concessions.

Featured image by Leggy Gordon