Advanced Etching Techniques

Printing with coloured inks from multiple plates is an exciting way to advance and develop your etching practice. Progress from simple monochromatic prints and learn to confidently add colour to your etchings using more challenging techniques.

During this two-day intensive workshop, you will learn how to use multiple etching plates, and the methods required to comfortably and effectively print with colour. Students will acquire the knowledge to confidently work with registration and create a set of prints from two or three separate plates. Whether working abstractly or pictorially these techniques will heighten your work and create new prospects for your printing practice. You will work on subject matter of your own choosing and are encouraged to bring along any reference material such as drawings or photographs they might find helpful in developing their ideas. 

Students will be responsible for purchasing their own copper plate and printmaking paper. All other consumables will be provided. Plates can be purchased from art shops such as Parkers or The Art Scene and brought on the first day of the workshop. Minimum plate size is approximately 30 x 20cm, although students can purchase a larger plate if they wish. Any thickness copper between 0.9mm and 1.2mm will be sufficient. Plates will be cut into 3 equal parts during the course. 

* The course fee accommodates a limited class size, fostering a more personal learning experience.

* The course is for intermediate to advanced level students over the age of 18.

Angus Fisher is a multidisciplinary artist represented by Australian Galleries and Jonathan Cooper Galleries in the UK. He has a Master of Fine Art degree, majoring in printmaking from The National Art School where he teaches in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program. Fisher’s art practice investigates nature and humankind’s relationship with our environment; he does not only investigate ecology through his subjects, but the evolving attitudes and changing philosophical interpretations of the wider natural world. Primarily working with etching and drawing, Fisher utilises traditional working techniques, methodologies and aesthetics to place his work in direct connection to historical contexts and traditions.

Angus Fisher exhibits regularly in Australia and overseas and his work can be found in many private and public collections including the Art Gallery of NSW, The NSW State Library and The National Art School collections. Fisher was the winner of the Hawkesbury Art Prize in 2021 and has been a finalist in many other art prizes including the Dobell Drawing Prize, The Grace Cossington Smith Art Prize and the Lynne McCrea Memorial Drawing Prize.

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

• 1 copper etching plate, 0.9 - 1.2mm thick, 30 x 20cm plate minimum size ($51 from Parkers)
• 1 sheet of etching paper, approx. 76 x 56cm. Hahnemuhle paper is recommend.
• 1 etching scribe ($3.50)
• Sketchbook and basic drawing equipment
• 1 box of disposable nitrile gloves. Latex can be used but nitrile are best.
• Apron or protective shirt
• Enclosed footwear is essential in all studios on campus.