Introduction to Etching

A day learning how to etch onto zinc using traditional hard and soft grounds to create beautiful line drawings with hand drawn and found textures. Soft ground etching is a versatile technique where natural objects can be run through the press to create the mark which, when inked is a reproduction of that shape or texture as well as being used to replicate drawn marks. A great start to your etching journey.

Ideal for beginners with no previous experience or those wishing to brush up their skills, you will learn how to transfer and draw your design to your etching plate, to prepare a zinc plate, to etch your plate and print onto paper.

You will be working with two A6 zinc plates (15 x 10.5cm) producing your own single colour etchings which you will make a small edition from.

Course Structure

• Introduction to the workshop + Health and Safety
• What is Etching? Covering the principles of the process and examples
• Preparing plates and grounds
• Drawing design onto plates
• Lunch
• Etching process
• Printing demonstration
• Practical printing
• Clean up and reflection

About the Tutor

Leicester Print Workshop

Leicester Print Workshop is the regional development centre for printmaking. Established by artists in 1986, we are a registered charity, supported by Arts Council England. Our RIBA award-winning building is situated in Leicester City Centre's Cultural Quarter and is home to a large, well equipped open access Printmaking Studio.

We have over 30 years’ experience of teaching people printmaking. Our programme offers the largest number and broadest range of printmaking courses in the region, with courses suitable for beginners as well as experienced printmakers, delivered by practicing artists and nationally renowned tutors. Participants learn in small and friendly groups in our purpose-designed studio.

Bookings

Online: You can book online here by credit / debit card or Paypal.

Telephone: You can pay by card over the phone during our opening hours (Wednesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm). Call us on 0116 251 4174.

In person: Call in to Leicester Print Workshop during our opening hours (Wednesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm) to book and pay by card, cash or cheque.

Pre-course information: We will send you details of how to find us and what to bring with you when we process your booking.

Concessions: Full-Print Members of Leicester Print Workshop are entitled to a 10% discount on our inhouse courses.

Interested in joining LPW as a member? Click here for more information.