Etching Techniques

Explore the exciting medium of etching
on copper or aluminum plates. Learn to work with acid, hard ground, drypoint, aquatint, sugar lift and other etching and printing processes on paper. Mirra
Whale guides newcomers, as well as intermediate level students, to develop the skills to produce a series of traditional editioned prints. You will also have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of tools and techniques, expanding your knowledge of etching processes.

Mirra Whale is a practicing artist who works with print, painting and drawing. Mirra’s artworks dissect every day, banal and commonplace subjects and presents them from another angle, exploring the formal and conceptual limits of the genre of still life. She exhibits regularly and is represented by Mitchell Fine Art Gallery Brisbane, and her next solo exhibition will be at Mitchell Fine Art Melbourne. Mirra’s work can be found in public and private institutions nationally and she has been a
finalist in numerous art awards including the Archibald Prize, Portia Geach Portrait Prize, Kedumba Drawing Award and more. She teaches printmaking in the undergraduate and short courses programs at the National Art School.

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

Etching plates and paper will not be required in the first week of the course.

Throughout the course you will be responsible for purchasing various printing papers and copper
plates, which are available from most art suppliers, Mirra will discuss these during your first class. The National Art School will supply all printing inks,
presses and other equipment.

For the first lesson bring:

• An A4 or A3 sketchbook
• Photos for inspiring ideas
• Notebook
• Assortment of pencils and pens
• Eye protection glasses - e.g. Craftright Clear Safety Glasses at Bunnings ($2.30)
• P2 disposable particulate respirator masks - 3MP2 at Bunnings ($11.34 for 3 masks)
• Etching tools (if you already own them - NAS will also supply)
• Disposable nitrile gloves - e.g. Sabco at Bunnings ($4.50)
• A small aluminum plate will be provided for the first class for experimental mark making
• Apron or covered shirt
• Enclosed shoes are essential