In the first session of Intro to Copper Etching Workshop, we used tracing paper & carbon paper to layout (and transfer) our images on 4×6 inch copper plates rolled with hard ground. Below: carbon paper transfer on hard ground & needle etching tool used to draw through to expose copper before etching in ferric.
Below: the same plate (Nicci’s) after etching (cleaned of ground in mineral spirits). Also a detail of the same plate inked with Portland Black & wiped.
Below: Louann’s fine line copper etching proof print & an experimental double print with the same plate rotated 180 degrees.
While Louann & Nicci were concentrating on faces, Mary embarked on an interior. An image below is her one of her proof prints.
And Jay made use of hand-colored paper and chine-collé to print his richly toned avocados. This image is made after a couple of etchings and some experimentation with warmer toned inks. (We all began with Gamblin’s Portland Black.)
Jim’s first proof of his Joan of Arc print is included in this group shot from our last moments of the two-day workshop! It’s already changed quite a lot, and we’ll hopefully do some updates as these images progress. Top left is Andrea’s experimental 4×6 inch copper plate with drypoint, burnishing, and etching. Up next: aquatint!
Though the workshop was a brief two days, all of us had some success in beginning our journey with copper plates. The luster of the metal itself makes it a joy to work with.
There’s another intro class scheduled in copper etching in August, and registration is open now. If you’d like to be notified of the next session after that, please let us know!
Interested in taking a class in this technique?
You can register on our classes page. If the class fills, we’re happy to add you to our waiting list if you indicate interest with our contact form!
Introduction to Copper Etching
Join us to learn basic etching on copper process along with inking, wiping, and printing the plate. This traditional Intaglio print process will also include preparing paper, using the presses and creating a signed edition. Once you take this beginner level class you are eligible to join the Friday etcher’s group to continue working with Andrea Knarr to build on your knowledge of the intaglio process.
August 20 and 27: 1:00-4:00 Andrea Knarr, instructor
Limit: 6 students $120.00 non-members/ $105.00 ($20.00 supply fee included) 6 PDU contact hours
Related Links
Andrea Knarr’s website
Tiger Lily Press Class Offerings