Drypoint Printmaking Day

What to expect

Last year we were excited to receive a grant to purchase a new printing press so we are able to teach printmaking techniques that require a press. This day course is suitable for anyone, beginner or otherwise, who would like to learn/practice the process of drypoint printmaking. Drypoint is one of the most straightforward methods of intaglio printmaking, in which an image is incised directly into a plate and the ink worked into the incised lines. Using dampened paper, the action of the press pushes the paper into the inked lines to produce a spectacular printed image. Drypoint has been practised for centuries, most famously by Rembrandt and Durer, and more recently by Picasso, Max Beckman and Milton Avery and Vija Celmins. Akin to drawing, a drypoint print is always an exciting revelation! On this course you will learn - how to plan your design and transfer it to a drypoint plate (we use acrylic plates rather than the traditional copper) - how to incise your design using drypoint tools. - the importance of mark making and texture which you will use first in a sample piece and then in your own design. - inking up the plate and preparing the paper - using the press - reviewing and improving your initial prints before printing a small edition. If there is time you may be able to introduce chine colle (tissue paper collage) to your print as well. When you book you will be sent a list of drawing materials and source imagery to bring on the day. NB There will also be a materials cost of £10 per person - paid directly to the tutor on the day - to cover the cost of the plate, printing ink, selection of printmaking papers etc.