Introduction to Multi-Plate Soft Ground Etching
with Chris Ingham
Saturday 21st & 22nd November 2026 | 10am - 4pm
Maximum 6 participants
$650 inclusive of GST
Includes all materials
available at check out
Come and discover the expressive and tactile world of soft ground etching — one of printmaking's most versatile and rewarding techniques!
In this workshop, copper plate etching is achieved using an Edinburgh etch solution (based on ferric chloride), a safe and easy alternative to the traditional acid etch.
Suitable for beginners through to experienced printmakers.
(Images featured below are the results of students in Chris’s first Soft Ground workshop).
Unlike hard ground etching, soft ground has an irresistible sensitivity to touch and texture. Because the ground remains pliable, it can pick up the finest surface impressions — from the delicate grain of a pencil line to the texture of fabric, leaves, or found materials — transferring them directly to the plate with extraordinary fidelity. Combined with the rich tonal possibilities of aquatint and the discipline of working across multiple plates, this workshop opens up a whole new dimension of mark-making and colour.
From the old masters to today's most experimental artists, etching never ceases to fascinate. The appeal of the etched line is mesmerising and universal. Soft ground brings to it a warmth and spontaneity of its own.
Working across multiple plates, participants will explore how to build layered, complex images through registration and colour, combining the unique qualities of soft ground with aquatint and additional techniques to develop richly textured prints with depth and atmosphere.
This is a small, friendly group and no prior experience is necessary. It's also ideal 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 workshop includes all materials.
Participants will work on 2 copper plates (sized 15cm x 20cm) — we recommend bringing along a few image ideas relevant to the size of the plate and the textural, layered nature of the technique to give you a good starting point on the day.
Two Day Workshop includes:
Applying soft ground and preparing plates
Transferring image and texture to plate using the unique soft ground process
Etching in Edinburgh Etch (Ferric chloride) Acid Bath
Preparing for printing
Applying inks and wiping techniques
Printing a multi-plate edition
Colour Roll Ups or Chine collé (optional)
ABOUT CHRIS INGHAM
Printmaker and sculptor, Chris Ingham was born in Adelaide in 1974 and 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 has exhibited widely and shown in many prize shows across 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, heavily reliant on spontaneity, humour, and freshness.
All workshops at Baldessin Studio use low toxic chemicals and adhere to strict OHS work practices.
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.
