Printmaking: Etching & Drypoint Revealed

With John Thompson

June 18 - 24, 2023

Location: Grunewald Guild Printmaking Studio

What will class time be like?: Printmaking has a lot of technical elements and will take time. Class time will have samples and demonstrations with a lot of free working time. I am in the class at all times and usually in the studio the rest of the day and late evenings if someone wants to work. We will be using chemicals, solvents, acids and inks. Again it is messy. I have done this type of class with folks 5yrs old to 85 years old. Oh and great results from almost everyone!

Will I need to work outside of class?: Yes. This class can be demanding – it is up to the student to decide what they want to accomplish and how much work they want to put into the process. I usually encourage and expect some effort on their part.

What can I expect to create?: Each student should be able to take home a variety of prints.

Do I need experience to take this class?: All experience levels are welcome, including beginners.

What do I need to bring to class?: studio clothing

required deposit: $250

  • Commuter – $115.00
  • Cabin – $1,180.00
  • Shared Room + Shared Bath – $610.00
  • Yurt – $730.00
  • Library Dorm – $460.00
  • RV with Electric: 125V/30 Amp – $460.00
  • RV with Electric: 25V/20 Amp – $460.00
  • Personal Tent or Car Camping – $400.00
  • Hilltop House King Private Room + Private Bath – $1,120.00
  • Hilltop House Queen Private Room + Shared Bath – $1,060.00
  • Hilltop Private Room (Full + Two Twins) + Shared Bath – $1,000.00
  • Private Queen Room + Shared Bath – $940.00
  • Private Twin Room + Shared Bath – $940.00

In this class, you will learn about a number of techniques within intaglio printmaking, some of which have been used for centuries.

Drypoint is a printmaking technique in which an image is incised into a plate with a hard-pointed “needle” of sharp metal or diamond point. In principle, the method is practically identical to engraving.

Etching is a printmaking technique that uses chemical action to produce incised lines in a metal printing plate which then hold the applied ink and form the image

Soft Ground is a variety of etching that produces prints characterized by softness of line or a grainy texture.

Aquatint is a variety of etching widely used by printmakers to achieve a broad range of tonal values. The process is called aquatint because finished prints often resemble watercolor drawings.

We will be using these “old-traditional” printmaking techniques. Learn the way Rembrandt, Goya, and the masters did their prints, and then make your own! Etching, drypoint, soft-grounds, and aquatints will be some of the processes. It is messy, satisfying, and a whole lot of fun.

About the Faculty

John Thompson

John received his degree in Fine Arts from the University of North Dakota, were intaglio (etching) and drawing were his foundations. Asked to design the ponies for the Carousel for Missoula, his work with the carousel became a transitional point into carving and sculpting. John is serious about art but his art is full of humor. … Continue reading Printmaking: Etching & Drypoint Revealed

Learn more about John Thompson

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