Foundational Printmaking: Relief and Intaglio

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to the two cornerstones of traditional printmaking – relief printing (lino and woodblock) and intaglio printing (copper plate etching). Throughout the week you will be immersed in the oldest and most tactile forms of printmaking as we move between carving raised surfaces and incising metal plates to understand how opposite processes create equally compelling images.

During the course you will learn the traditional methodologies of both mediums alongside contemporary modes of practice. While working with relief printing, we will cover block preparation, carving techniques and various hand and press printing processes such as working with layering and multiple colours. The etching component will include techniques such a line-work, aquatint tone and various other textual and painterly effects.

Students will create one, or a number, of prints in each medium throughout the workshop based on imagery of their own choice. Students will have the opportunity to produce a small edition of prints from each field of practice and may even consider combining the mediums in their final work. You are encouraged to bring along any reference material such as drawings or photographs you might find helpful in developing your ideas. 

Students will provide their own copper etching plates, lino or woodblocks and printing paper. Please make sure you have at least one lino or woodblock and your carving tools ready for the beginning of day one. Additional materials can be purchased on following days if needed at Parkers Art Supplies on the NAS campus. Please see the materials list and note that all other consumables will be provided. 

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students from ages 15 years and over.

* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below.

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

• 1 or more copper etching plates (0.9 - 1.2mm thick) size A5 or larger. (available from Parkers/other art supply stores)
• 1 or more lino or wood blocks size A5 or larger. (available from Parkers/other art supply stores)
• 1 etching scribe (approx. $3.50)
• Set of lino/woodblock tools (approx. $20)
• 1 sheet of etching paper, approx. 76 x 56cm 250gsm + Hahnemuhle paper is recommend (available from Parkers/other art supply stores)
• 1 sheet of relief printing paper or smooth watercolour paper, approx. 76 x 56cm (available from Parkers/other art supply stores)
• Sketchbook and basic drawing equipment
• 1 box of disposable nitrile gloves. Latex can be used but nitrile is best.
• 1 P2 particle mask (disposable or non-disposable)
• Apron or protective shirt
• Any reference material such as drawings or photographs you might find helpful.
• Enclosed footwear is essential in all studios on campus

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.