Introduction to Printmaking: Woodcut, Etching and Aquatinting

In this coutrse you will gain essential practical skills for producing printed images in a printmaking studio. In this course, you will be introduced to relief and intaglio techniques, exploring processes such as woodcut, etching, and aquatint to develop your skills and personal ideas. Alongside practical work, you will study key printmakers who have used printmaking as a powerful form of expression.

Teaching takes place in specialist print workshop, with support from your teacher through demonstrations, one-to-one guidance, group discussions, and critiques. Access to an internet-connected device is required for access to materials beyond the class contact time.

You may be asked to bring some materials to the first class (link here). Please wait until the first class and speak with your tutor before purchasing further materials. See ‘Entry Criteria’ for details.

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate competence in Relief and Intaglio printmaking (woodcut, etching, aquatint) through the creation of original prints.  
• Apply an understanding of printmaking as a creative medium by analysing the practices of key artists, reflecting on their influence, and evaluating your own and others’ work.
• Apply and critically reflect on problem-solving, adaptability, creative collaboration and critical thinking through experimentation with materials, processes and visual ideas in response to technical and conceptual challenges.

This course is for those who have little or no experience in printmaking.

This course is ideal for learners with a passion for creative exploration, who enjoy making and have an interest in hands-on artistic processes. It will particularly appeal to those who wish to see their mark-making transformed into print, or to integrate printmaking into textiles, book arts, or mixed-media projects. A curiosity to experiment and a readiness to express ideas visually will be strongly encouraged throughout.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s Accessible and Inclusive Learning Policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is suitable for participants with no prior experience. We welcome anyone with a vivid imagination and a passion for creative exploration. While no formal background in printmkaing is required, the course is hands-on, and a willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

Please take this into account when booking, as there may be a small additional cost. Learn more about the materials required for this course here. We aim to keep materials affordable while ensuring you have the appropriate tools. Costs may vary depending on the course, and your course teacher will provide further details during the first class.

There is no recommended reading for this course, only suggested reference materials. Your course teacher will guide you to relevant sources during the sessions and through online resources.

Reading, listening and communication skills are essential. You must be comfortable learning in English. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Booking is available until 23:59 the day before the course is due to start, unless the course is full or cancelled.