Exploring Etching is a deep dive into the wonderful world of etching and intaglio printmaking! Students will learn to prepare copper plates for etching with ferric chloride. We will explore methods of etched mark-making beyond the drawn line including soft ground etching applications, spray paint aquatint with positive and negative resists, and more. Handwork techniques include scraping/burnishing, using manual and electric engraving/drypoint tools. Students will produce engaging prints that prompt the question, “how did they do that?” and learn how to create identical and variable editions through paper preparation and printing techniques. Color printing via multi-plate registration, chine collé, à la poupée, hand-coloring and viscosity rolls will be demonstrated as well. Some shared tools and supplies are provided. Safety procedures, studio chemistry, and solvent compatibility will be covered in depth. Closed-toed shoes are required in the etching lab. Materials list provided on first day of class. Copper plates can be purchased from the instructor at cost or should be brought to the first day of class. Instructor: Kate VanVliet