Drypoint


Scheduled courses in 2025
None at the moment, please contact us to express an interest

Drypoint – one day course

£80
11am – 5pm

Venue: Intra Arts
Suitable for ages 16+
Class size 6 max.

Making a drypoint image on an aluminium plate

Follow in the steps of artists such as Rembrandt and Picasso, who learnt about intaglio processes by creating artworks with the drypoint technique. In this print method, a metal or acetate plate is incised with a sharp point, then inked up and printed using an etching press. It’s is a lovely, simple way to get to know etching techniques, and particularly good for those who love drawing.

IMG_2774
Inking up and wiping drypoint plates for printing

Workshop includes:

Beginning with a look at examples of drypoint work, you’ll see the range of marks that can be made with tools and how drypoint differs from other intaglio techniques. The grooves incised in the plate are accompanied by a raised burr created as you scrape a reversed image with sharp pointed tools. The burr contributes to holding the ink, and this type of plate is more fragile than etched plates, and the marks you can make are quite soft-edged.

Drypoint plate, inked

You’ll ink up and wipe off your plate in preparation for printing, take a look at differences in papers and how they are prepared by soaking, and learn how to use the etching press safely to make prints.

People who have taken this course can return to use our print studio during open access sessions.

Booking

To book a course, please:

  • pay online with cards / Paypal (click on a date at the top of this page)
  • or pay by cash or cards in person at Intra Arts
  • or request an invoice for payment by bank transfer

If you have any questions about the course or payment, please call or send us an email.

Artwork and what to bring

After booking you will be sent details of things it would be useful for you to bring. If you don’t have your own design to work with, you can pick something from the studio’s design library with hundreds of illustrated and vintage books to give you inspiration. The drypoint process requires you to hand-draw marks onto the plate.

Cancellations

Please give us as much notice as possible if you are not able to come to a course that you have booked. If you cancel with seven or more days notice, we will reschedule or refund your booking. For cancellations less than seven days before the workshop date – we may be able to offer you a re-booking subject to availability on future classes. Please note that we have to cover space costs, preparation and tutor fees, and if you cancel last minute we still have to pay for these in order for the course to run for the other participants.

Wapping stairs - acrylic drypoint by Peta Bridle
Wapping stairs – acrylic drypoint by Peta Bridle

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