Drypoint Plate Making and Printing Workshop with Jenny Mason-Gunning ARBSA.
Drawing lines into styrene plastic using a variety of tools, exploring how different points pressures, and mark-making techniques create a full range of tones and textures. Participants will learn how to develop a strong drawing surface, create expressive marks, control line quality, and understand how to refine and clean the plate, apply intaglio ink, wipe and polish the surface for optimal contrast, and print their drypoint plate using professional methods to achieve consistent, high quality results.
Age group and abilities to be taught
- 18 years and above
- Ideal for beginners and experienced artists
Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught
- Learn the fundamentals of drypoint printmaking from drawing on the plate to producing a final print
- Gain practical skills in mark-making using a range of drypoint tools, understanding how pressure, angle, and technique influence line, tone, and texture
- Develop knowledge of how to prepare, handle, and refine a styrene plate
- How to ink and wipe using professional intaglio methods
- How to print using a an etching press
- Develop the confidence to continue drypoint independently with a clear understanding of materials, tools, and best studio practice
Course outline
Morning activity
- Short introduction and talk on drypoint, tools, materials, and printing papers
- Demonstration of drawing and mark-making techniques on styrene plates using a variety of tools
- Participants will begin creating their own drypoint plate, exploring line, tone, and texture
Afternoon activity
- Demonstration of inking, wiping, and preparing the plate for printing
- Participants ink, wipe, and print their plates on the etching press, producing their first proofs
- Final prints made, with guidance on refining marks, troubleshooting, and preparing plates for continued work at home
What you need to bring with you:
- Three photographs or drawings to interpret as a drypoint plate
- An apron
- Marigold or nitrile gloves for inking and printing
- A pack of baby wipes, just in case
What we will provide:
- Nitrile gloves
- Oil-based and water-washable inks
- Scrim and muslin
- Rollers
- Printing paper
- Styrene plates
- A variety of drypoint tools
- Newsprint
- Cotton buds for inking
- Ink scrapers and palette knives
- Etching press and blankets
- Paper fingers
- Examples of the tutor’s work
- A copy of the tutor’s forthcoming book for reference
Methods of assessing outcomes
- Ongoing individual feedback from the tutor
- Observation of practical work throughout the session
- Informal group discussion at key stages
- Support and guidance as participants progress with opportunities to review prints, refine techniques, and evaluate their own development
Booking information
- To book please use the ticketing system below. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours to book over the phone. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery.
- Booking is essential. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
- Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
- Places are limited to 10 people per workshop unless stated otherwise. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
- All workshops run from 11.00am – 4.00pm with a 40 minute lunch break, unless otherwise stated. Tea and coffee will be provided, participants need to provide their own lunch.
- Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
- A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.
Cancellation Policy
- If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
- Transfers to an alternative workshop may be possible depending on the circumstance and is at the discretion of the RBSA Gallery.
- In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
- If you are booked on a workshop and do not attend on the day, a refund will not be given.
Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright
- We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
- The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards).
Other information
- The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
- Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
- Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
- Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
- The continuous redevelopment work in the city centre has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
- If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.