Soft Ground Etching: Drawing and Impressions
1 day course
18 March 2025
10am to 4pm
£125 including 2 x 15x10cm zinc plates
This course introduces you to the traditional technique of soft ground etching, which was originally devised to allow for the creation of soft pencil-like lines. This technique is flexible enough to allow a great variation in line quality and mark making, and the unique opportunity to transfer textural impressions and etch them into the metal plate.
On this course, you will create two plates, one with a hand drawn image and one with textural impressions and mark making. Using a single colour print your plates on an etching press.
Course structure
• Explanation of the technique with examples.
• Explore the basic principles of soft ground drawing and impression making in etching.
• Learn how to prepare your plates, apply grounds, process your plates, and inking techniques.
• Create two designs on zinc plates using drawn lines and textural impressions.
• Etch each plate in an aqueous copper sulphate mordant.
• Correct selection and preparation of paper.
• Learn to ink up and wipe your plate using a single colour ink.
• Print your plate using the etching presses.
Pre-course information
Any image preparation notes will be sent prior to the course date.
Experience level
Suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills.
Maximum 6 places
The above section may require scrolling
For all courses except CPSC Certificate course
Full payment of the course fee is required when booking a place. A reserved place is not secure until full payment has been received.
If for any reason you are unable to attend, we will refund monies paid minus a £20 admin fee, as long as you cancel your place more than 1 month before the course start date.
For CPSC Certificate course
Payment for Term 1 is required when booking a place. A reserved place is not secure until this payment has been received. Payments for Terms 2 & 3 will be due at the end of the previous term. Payments for Terms 2 & 3 will be due before the first day of each term.
If for any reason prior to the commencement of the course you are unable to attend, we will refund monies paid minus a £20.00 admin fee, as long as you cancel your place more than 1 month before the course start date. Once you start the course on Term 1 you have committed to all 3 terms. Course transfers are at the discretion of Curwen Print Study Centre.
There is an option to book your place for £100 deposit. If you choose this option your place is secured. The balance of term 1 will be due 20 working days before the start of the course. If you cancel more than 20 working days before the course start date, we will refund monies paid minus a £20 admin fee. If your place is not cancelled during this timescale, and the balance is not paid then the deposit is non refundable. All other Terms & Conditions remain the same.
Curwen Print Study Centre reserves the right to cancel courses – a full refund will be made in these circumstances.
