Traditional Intaglio Methods - Learn Copper Etching

Traditional Intaglio Methods - Learn Copper Etching
With Liz Bannish

1 day, Saturday
August 16th, 10 AM – 4 PM
6 participants maximum
Cost: $185 + $10 materials fee

Intaglio, Italian for carving, is a catch-all term to describe the variety of methods used to engrave a drawing into a copper plate. This class will focus on the intaglio-based process of hard ground etching, using the vastly less toxic method offered by BIG ground. Hard ground most often produces a printed line drawing, but the artist can create a variety of textures using various tools and stopping out the plate for various etch times. Mark-making with traditional styluses, as well as with unexpected tools like tattoo needles and sandpaper, can yield exciting results. These tools expose the artist’s drawing in a varnished plate, which is then “carved” by an acidic bath. For the final print, ink is pushed into the recesses of the plate carving, and transferred to paper under the heavy pressure of an etching press. Come learn this elegant (and minorly updated) print process that had remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

We are grateful to Andrew Baldwin of Trefeglwys Print Studio in Wales, inventor of BIG ground!

Learn more about Liz Bannish here: https://contemprints.org/about/staff/liz-bannish/

Abbreviated steps for hard ground etching:
1. Polish and degrease plate
2. Ground plate, bake, cool
3. Draw through ground
4. Etch plate in acidic bath
5. Remove ground, clean plate
6. Bevel plate edges with file and burnish smooth
7. Prepare press and set pressure
8. Prepare paper, soak in water bath
9. Ink and wipe plate
10. Blot paper
11. Print
12. Dry prints under pressure until flat

All levels are welcome. Free parking is included.
Classes are located at Shepherd & Maudsleigh Studio
27 Dunstan Street
West Newton, MA 02465