Printmaking: Carborundum Aquatint

Instructor: Anthony Kirk

Dates: Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 1 & 10, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Ages: 16+

Members: $333

Non-Members: $370

(Registration deadline: January 29)

Description:

Carborundum aquatint is a painterly intaglio process achieving a wide tonal range without acid, rosin or toxic chemicals usually associated with traditional aquatint. Carborundum grit in various degrees of texture from course to very fine is mixed with acrylic medium and brushed onto either acrylic or mat board plates. When dry, the plate is inked and wiped like a traditional intaglio plate. The use of Plexiglas makes multi plate registration very simple. The wiping of ink from a carborundum plate does not discolor ink as is common with zinc or copper plates. The instructor, in a long career as a master printer, has introduced this technique to artists such as Joan Mitchell and Emily Mason and examples of their prints will be shown.

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Materials:

Provided by participants:

• Brushes

Available from the instructor: 

• Magnani Pescia printmaking paper for $6 per 22x30 inch sheet.

• 11x14 Plexiglas for $10 per sheet.

All inks, papertowels, tulle and sundry supplies will be provided by Five Points Arts Center. 

Instructor Bio:

Master Printer, Anthony Kirk, brings almost fifty years of professional experience to Anthony Kirk Editions (AKE). Born in Scotland, Kirk attended Art School in England before moving to NYC in 1974. In 1988, Kenneth Tyler invited him to head up the etching department at Tyler Graphics Ltd. where he etched and proofed plates for Helen Frankenthaler, Frank Stella, John Walker, Donald Sultan and Joan Mitchell. In 2000, Kirk established his own printmaking studio in North Salem, NY. Here he brings to each collaborative project, an accumulation of experience, thereby realizing in print, the vision of each artist whether established or new to the medium.

Instructor's website: https://www.anthonykirkeditions.com/about

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

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

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