About this course

Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking method which involves incising and scratching an image into metal, coated paper or acrylic plate with a hard point needle. This plate is then used to print with. This course is a good introduction to intaglio techniques without the use of chemicals.

Course Description

The tutor will introduce you to using tools to create a variety of lines, some with burr, and tonal effects. During the day, you will learn how to translate drawings into a dry point plate and acquire the skills to ink up a plate and print with an etching press. You will learn the necessary tricks to produce a small edition of atmospheric prints. Paper choices and processes for printing will be demonstrated and discussed.

At the end of the day, you will have gained knowledge of intaglio printing and learned how to produce a drypoint print from start to finish. You will have made a sample print and run a small edition of drypoint prints.

Course Materials

Included

The College will provide a drypoint plate, a printing plate, newsprint, good quality printing paper, tissue paper and Tarlatan scrim medium per student, plus some black etching ink, blotting paper and sandpaper to share amongst the group.

All necessary equipment will be provided for use on the course.

What students need to bring

  • An apron
  • Sketchbook
  • Drawing pencils and your favourite drawing tools
  • Watercolours and brushes, if you have some
  • Scissors
  • A newspaper

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

General Information

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Caroline Wendling Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

Caroline Wendling

Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Short Course Tutor

Caroline Wendling's work explores ideas of place and belonging through layered projects that draw on history and explore local myths, inviting re-imagings of sites. She takes her audience on a physical, sensory and emotional journey leaving them with a poetic encounter and a story to tell.

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Paper drypoint printmaking

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.