This course is designed to teach students the technique of intaglio printmaking, its various forms and applications, to develop their knowledge and understanding of the uniqueness of this creative field of practice.  

Essentially the opposite of relief printing Intaglio printmaking is usually done on copper or zinc plates where incisions are made on the surface of the plate to create an image. Incisions may either be made by etching, engraving, aquatinting and drypoint techniques where a fine level of detail and tonal range can be achieved. The incised line in the plate holds ink while the surface is wiped clean; subsequently the printed medium – commonly paper – is pressed into the plate through an etching press and the inked line transfers.  

Following a brief theoretical introduction on the rich history and uses of intaglio printmaking, techniques of hard ground and soft ground etching are demonstrated, which students may then apply to a variety of personal projects.