Drypoint Printmaking

Instructor: Carol Wax

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30, 2023

Times: 10AM - 4PM

 Ages: 12 and up

Members: $225.00

Non- Members: $250.00

Registration Close Date: July 14, 2023

Description:

The goal of this workshop is to explore a wide range of linear, tonal, and textural effects, possibly using an array of tools and drypoint techniques. Instruction is designed to meet varied artistic styles, cover the basics for beginners, and offer new approaches to drypoint that experienced printmakers may not have previously considered. Individual needs and interests are addressed through one-on-one coaching on the most appropriate uses of these techniques for developing one’s visions.

Drypoint encompasses a wide range of techniques for incising images directly on copper plates without the use of acid. The ability to work tonally and linearly, using additive and deductive approaches, makes drypoint one of the most spontaneous and versatile printmaking mediums. In this workshop, participants learn how to use scribes, roulettes, stipplers, gravers, and other metalsmithing tools to draw richly textured linear and nuanced tonal images. Uses of drypoint and carborundum for creating grounds that may be worked in the mezzotint manner are also covered. Individual attention gives beginners solid introduction, helps experienced printmakers expand their approach to the medium, and allows all participants to work at their own pace.

Printing instruction emphasizes wiping techniques for controlling plate tone to take fullest advantage of the drypoint burr. Color printing concerns are addressed as time allows. 

Bio:

Carol Wax, author of the book The Mezzotint: History and Technique, works in a wide range of mediums, but is best known for her mezzotint engravings. Her prints are in numerous museum collections and have been honored by two New York Foundation for the Arts Artist’s Fellowships; The American Academy of Arts and Letters Louise Nevelson Award for Printmaking; an Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Individual Support Grant; and residencies at The MacDowell Colony and Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation’s Space Program. In addition to numerous visiting artist workshops, she has taught at The Rhode Island School of Design, SUNY New Paltz, Montclair State University, and Bard College.

 www. carolwax.com

Materials:

Five Points will provide two 4" x 6" 18-gauge bevel finished copper plates plates per participant. Press, inks, solvent, and other chemistry. If desired, experienced participants may bring their own additional copper plates.  Paper will be available to purchase in individual sheets. Otherwise, participants should bring their own. Suggested papers are Rives BFK (not lightweight), Stonehenge, Somerset (finish doesn’t matter -- can be satin or textured), German Etching. Each participant may require 2-3 sheets of paper, sized 22" x 30."

Plates worked on over the course of two days will be 4 x 6 inches, so any preparatory sketches should fit this format. (Images should take into account 1/8-inch wide bevels on plates.) Instruction will begin with black and white approaches, but color techniques will also be presented, so sketches may be either black and white or color.

The Instructor will supply tools needed for the workshop, but participants are strongly encouraged to bring whatever intaglio tools they may have. Some tools may also be available for sale. (Cash or check.)

Participants interested in learning how to combine drypoint methods with etching are welcome to bring their own pre-etched plates (copper or zinc) with corresponding proofs. 

Everyone is encouraged to bring an open mind and his/her/their imagination.

* All workshops are held at the Five Points Art Center, 855 University Drive

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here