Step into Etching: Line, Tone & Texture

Learn the fine art of copper plate etching, a medium both steeped in tradition and one that allows for exciting approaches to contemporary art making. In this 2-day workshop you’ll have the opportunity to work with various methods to create a small edition of prints in the beautiful NAS etching studios. 

Angus Fisher teaches various ways of creating imagery on an etching plate including line-work and the use of aquatint to create exciting tonal and painterly effects. Students will work will imagery of their own choice and will produce a small edition of prints over the two-days. Bring along your own reference material such as drawings or photographs that will be helpful in developing visual ideas.   

Students will provide their own copper etching plate and etching paper. Please make sure you have a plate ready for the beginning of day one. Additional copper plates can be purchased if needed at Parkers Art Supplies on the NAS campus. 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 between 15 - 17 years of age.

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 sheet of etching paper, approx. 76 x 56cm. Hahnemuhle paper is recommend.  
• 1 etching scribe (approx. $3.50)  
• Sketchbook and basic drawing equipment  
• 1 box of disposable nitrile gloves. Latex can be used but nitrile is best.  
• Apron or protective shirt  
• Covered footwear is essential in all studios on campus.

Enclosed footwear is essential.

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