Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
AR22320
Module Title
Printmaking 1: Etching and Relief Printing
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Portfolio  Sketchbook of research material   100%
Supplementary Assessment Portfolio  Portfolio of Prints  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

a) Produce a portfolio of prints that clearly demonstrates proficiency in both intaglio printmaking and relief printing 


b) Produce a sketchbook containing drawings, written and visual material demonstrating ability in visual research and development of images appropriate for printmaking

c) Create a body of work that demonstrates a thematic approach to research that gives expression to personal concerns and ideas

d) Use techniques and materials in a selective and critical manner with regard to process and subject matter


e) Identify their own art practice within the context of contemporary and historic traditions of printmaking


f) Develop proficient patterns of working within the print studio with regard to issues of health and safety

Brief description

Modules AR22320 Printmaking 1 and AR22430 Printmaking 2 run concurrently and introduce students to a broad range of printmaking techniques including intaglio processes of soft and hard ground etching & aquatint and relief printing including woodcut, linocut and wood engraving. Media content taught, may vary from year to year depending upon staffing and resources available and occasionally this may lead to swapping of media between Printmaking 1 and Printmaking 3 (run in Semester 2)

For intaglio printmaking students will be introduced to techniques of drypoint, etching, aquatint, mezzotint and whenever time permits: approaches to photoetching such as the use of transfers and photosensitive plates. Students will have the opportunity to explore potential for etching through use of copper and aluminium, etching with Ferric Chloride and Copper Sulphate.

In Relief Printing students are introduced to a variety of materials and techniques of linocut, woodcut and wood engraving. The module also provides instruction on methods of printing in black and white and in colour using multiple blocks, monotype, chine collé and using other mixed media approaches.

Aims

The purpose of this module is to introduce to the student the possibilities and potential of printmaking as a significant means for developing and producing images in a graphic and multiple form. The course provides a sound foundation in workshop practice and technical instruction in the use of materials and processes of Intaglio Printing and Relief Printing. The module also encourages individual responses to drawing and the development of ideas and images appropriate for printmaking.

Content

Image Development and Workshop Practice Students are encouraged to research and develop themes in their work that give expression to personal ideas and concerns. Students are expected to maintain a sketchbook for drawing, collation of relevant visual and written material and for the development of ideas. Students will be introduced to concepts of drawing for process and to create prints that demonstrate an understanding of and consideration for both the limitations and creative potential of each medium. Using original works of art from the University's Collection students are introduced to the work of past and contemporary exponents of printmaking practice and are taught how to identify qualities that are specific to each print medium.

• Introduction to the use of sketchbooks and drawing for printmaking
• Group Seminar: Brainstorming for Personal Response
• Prints from the University Collection and UWA Student Archive
• Introduction to workshop practice and Health and safety Issues
• Mid Term Review and Critique of Student Work
• Portfolio Submission, Curating Prints and Examination Guidelines

Intaglio Printmaking
• Introduction to Intaglio Printmaking: Historical Overview of Technical Developments 1500-2000
• Revision of the use of Hard and Soft Ground in Etching
• Etching plates using Ferric Chloride - step etching
• Papers, Paper Preparation and Printing in Black and White
• Techniques of Aquatint: Tone, Texture, Colour, Maniere Noir (Mezzotint) and Spit Biting
• Colour Printing I: Inking a la Poupee and use of Chine Colle*
• Colour Printing II: Relief Printing, Multiple Plate Printing and Jigsaw / Free form Plates
• Introduction to Photo transfer and Photo-Etching techniques

Relief Printing and Approaches to Hybrid Printmaking
• Introduction to Relief Printing within an Historical Context
• Introduction to use of materials: Lino, Wood, Cork, Japanese Vinyl
• Introduction to Linocut: Block Preparation, cutting and printing in Black and White
• Introduction to Woodcut: Block Preparation, cutting and printing in Black and White
• Introduction to Wood Engraving and engraving different materials
• Approaches to colour printing: waste block, multiple block printing, jigsaw, chine collé
• Approaches to mixed media and hybrid printing
• Large format woodcut: materials and techniques

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication development and encouragement of communication skills occurs during workshop-based activity and during tutorials and group seminars
Improving own Learning and Performance development of a self-critical approach to creative working and professional conduct in the production of a portfolio of prints
Information Technology development of graphic IT skills through use of digital imaging programmes such as Adobe Photoshop
Problem solving development of practical printmaking skills and problem solving in relief printing and etching
Research skills development of a programme of research and self directed work that gives expression to personal ideas and concerns
Subject Specific Skills development of specific skills of intaglio printmaking and screenprinting and Plate Lithography, editioning and presentation development of studio practice, self-management and time management for completion of self-directed project work; development of awareness of related health and safety issues
Team work development and encouragement of team work and student interaction occurs during workshop-based activity and during tutorials and group seminars

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5