Introduction to Etching

This one day course will introduce you to the basic principles of Hard Ground Etching.

Ideal for beginners with no previous experience, you will learn how to transfer and draw your design to your etching plate, to prepare a zinc plate, to etch your plate and print onto paper. 

You will be working to a maximum image size of 5.5 inches x 8 inches (A5 approx), producing your own single colour etching.

Course Structure

10:00 Introduction to the workshop + Health and Safety
10:20 What is Etching? Covering the principles of the process and examples
10:45 Preparing plates and grounds
11.15 Drawing design onto plates
12:00 Lunch (please bring your own)
13:00 Etching process
13:45 Printing demonstration
14:00 Practical printing
15:30 Clean up and evaluation

About the Tutor

Kevin Holdaway has been the Senior Technical Instructor in Printmaking, at De Montfort University, since 1990. Although born in Hampshire, he has lived in Leicestershire since graduating with a Fine Art degree in 1989. He teaches a wide range of traditional printmaking techniques including: relief, screen printing and intaglio, and enjoys passing on his skills to others who share his passion for print. Kevin is an internationally exhibited artist, and has been the Master Printer for various others including Fluxus Artist Alison Knowles and Concrete Poet Edwin Morgan. He also volunteers as a technical advisor at Milton Keynes Printmakers on a regular basis and has taught workshops demonstrating techniques across England. He is a member of the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers.

See more of Kevin's work on his Colourfield Gallery page and his Instagram Page.

Leicester Print Workshop 

Leicester Print Workshop is the regional development centre for printmaking. Established by artists in 1986, we are a registered charity, supported by Arts Council England. Our RIBA award-winning building is situated in Leicester City Centre's Cultural Quarter and is home to a large, well equipped open access Printmaking Studio.

We have over 30 years’ experience of teaching people printmaking. Our programme offers the largest number and broadest range of printmaking courses in the region, with courses suitable for beginners as well as experienced printmakers, delivered by practicing artists and nationally renowned tutors. Participants learn in small and friendly groups in our purpose-designed studio.