Introduction to Copper Plate Etching: Line Etching & Aquatint
with Chris Ingham
Saturday 30th & 31st August 2025 | 10am - 4.00pm
Maximum 6 participants
$650 inclusive of GST
Includes all materials
available at check out
**All workshops at Baldessin Studio use low toxic chemicals and adhere to strict OHS work practices**
Come and learn how to practice this age-old printmaking technique in a safe modern way.
In this workshop the copper plate etching is achieved using a Edinburgh etch solution (based on ferric chloride), a safe and easy alternative to the traditional acid etch.
Suitable for beginners through to experienced printmakers
From the old masters to today’s most experimental innovative artists etching never ceases to fascinate people. The appeal of the etched line is mesmerising and universal.
Etching accommodates a wide variety of mark-making. The copper plate allows you to create textured and rich images with incredible detail, using a build-up of lines, tones, and textures. This workshop will cover Line Etching—a process that captures the finest drawn details—as well as Aquatint, which creates beautiful tonal effects, perfect for adding depth and contrast.
The instructor will guide you through preparing the copper plate, drawing your image onto a prepared surface, etching in a bath of ferric chloride, and introducing the atmospheric possibilities of aquatint. Participants will explore working with hard ground, plus the option of adding drypoint drawing techniques, open-bite, chine collé, and aquatint to build up tone.
This is a small friendly group, and no prior experience is necessary. It’s also brilliant for those wishing to brush-up or re-acquaint themselves with the medium. Participants will take home a small edition of prints.
The fee for this two-day class includes all the materials that you will use.
Participants will work on a 15cm x 20cm copper plate and we recommend bringing along image ideas that are relevant to the size of the plate and the graphic nature of the technique.
Two Day Workshop includes:
Applying grounds
Transferring image to plate
Etching in ferric chloride salt bath
Airbrush Aquatint
Preparing for printing
Applying inks
Wiping techniques
Printing with Chine colle
ABOUT CHRIS INGHAM
Printmaker and sculptor, Chris Ingham was born in Adelaide 1974. He is currently living and working in Melbourne, where he divides his time between his art practice and teaching printmaking methods and techniques. He spent 10 years working at the Australian Print Workshop as an access studio coordinator, teacher and fine art printer.
Chris has participated in numerous residencies in both Europe and North America, and along with this has exhibited his work widely and shown in many prize shows here in Australia. He is currently exhibiting with Australian Galleries. His work explores traditional mediums and methods of making art, coupled with an expressive and gestural personal mark making style, which is heavily reliant on spontaneity, humour and freshness.
Workshop Cancellations & Refunds
We understand that circumstances can change. A refund will be offered in the following situations:
· if a workshop, in which you are enrolled, is cancelled or deferred to a date unsuitable for your attendance. This may happen in event of a Catastrophic Fire Danger day, or in the event a tutor is unwell.
· upon receipt of an email indicating your intention to withdraw your enrolment when notice is provided to us at least three weeks in advance of the workshop start date.
From the 1st of January 2025, due to merchant processing fees, all refunds will be incur a $35 administration fee.
Workshop Credit - Transfers
In the event you cannot attend a booked workshop, and with at least three weeks notice being given to us, we are happy to transfer your enrolment to a future workshop, dependant on studio availability and within 12 months of the booked workshops date.
