Module Information

Modules AR22320 Etching and Relief Printing (A) and AR23340 Etching and Relief Printing (B) run concurrently and introduce students to a broad range of printmaking techniques including intaglio processes of soft and hard ground etching & aquatint and relief printing including woodcut, linocut and wood engraving. Media content taught, may vary from year to year depending upon staffing and resources available and very rarely this might mean swapping with techniques normally taught in Semester 2

For intaglio printmaking, typically students will be introduced to techniques of drypoint, etching, aquatint, mezzotint and whenever time permits: approaches to photoetching such as the use of transfers and photosensitive plates. Students will have the opportunity to explore potential for etching through use of copper and aluminium, etching with Ferric Chloride and Copper Sulphate.


In Relief Printing students are typically introduced to a variety of materials and techniques of linocut, woodcut and wood engraving. The module also provides instruction on methods of printing in black and white and in colour using multiple blocks, monotype, chine collé and using other mixed media approaches.

1. Inform, instruct and develop awareness of the potential of printmaking as a significant means for developing and producing images in a graphic and multiple form.
2. Provide foundation in the use of materials and techniques of intaglio and relief printing, to enable and encourage competence and proficiency with clear regard to Health and Safety
3. Encourage individual responses to drawing and the development of ideas and images appropriate for printmaking.
4. Encourage students to develop a body of work based upon themes that give expression to personal ideas and concerns.
5. Enable students to develop skills of independent research and to work in a shared workshop environment
6. Encourage students to develop contextual awareness of both historical and contemporary precedents, artists, and practice in printmaking

Image Development and Workshop Practice

Students are encouraged to research and develop themes in their work that give expression to personal ideas and concerns. Students are expected to maintain a sketchbook for drawing, collation of relevant visual and written material and for the development of ideas. Students will be introduced to concepts of drawing for process and to create prints that demonstrate an understanding of and consideration for both the limitations and creative potential of each medium. Using original works of art from the University's Collection students are introduced to the work of past and contemporary exponents of printmaking practice and are taught how to identify qualities that are specific to each print medium.

Typically - the course will cover some of the following techniques

Intaglio Printmaking
• Historical Overview of Intaglio Printmaking 1500-2025
• Hard and Soft Ground in Etching
• Etching plates using Ferric Chloride and Copper Sulphate - step etching
• Papers, Paper Preparation and Printing in Black and White
• Techniques of Aquatint: Tone, Texture, Colour, Sugar Lift and Spit Biting
• Colour Printing I: Inking a la Poupee and use of Chine Colle*
• Colour Printing II: Relief Printing, Multiple Plate Printing and Jigsaw / Free form Plates
• Introduction to Photo transfer and Photo-Etching techniques (wherever appropriate)


Relief Printing
• Historical Overview of Relief printing 1500-2025
• Introduction to use of materials: Lino, Wood, Japanese Vinyl
• Introduction Block Preparation, cutting and printing in Black and White
• Introduction to Wood Engraving
• Approaches to colour printing: waste block, multiple block printing, jigsaw, chine collé