PRIMERA SESIÓN

The course is addressed to both beginners in the field of printmaking and those who wish to further develop their skills in the field by learning experimental techniques. The participants will be able to choose from intaglio techniques, such as drypoint, plexiglas engraving and mezzotint, as well as etching techniques such as etching, aquatint, sugar lift or soft ground. The basic relief techniques include linocut and woodcut. Apart from these traditional techniques it will be possible to use unconventional materials to create matrices, such as sponges, textiles, laces, floor-coverings, etc and to experiment with engraving and cutting other substances such as cardobord or foil. Classic tools will be used as well as alternative ones such as dremmels, reusable tattoo needles or self-made roulettes.
The course will include practical workshops presenting the aforementioned traditional techniques as well as more innovative ones, such as salt aquatint, sand aquatint and roulette. The course leaders will also present the techniques of ferrotint and ferroetching, using iron plates in intaglio.
Participants will be able to use non-toxic graphic materials, such as water-based colours or oil instead of solvents. The course will include a presentation of the techniques of aquatint and etching on aluminum plates etched in copper sulphate.
Painting and drawing compositions or photo collages will be a starting point for prints. It will be also possible to work alla prima, directly on the matrix. Both black and white and colour works may be created.
Each participant will have a free choice of a graphic technique to be applied in their work. The subject matter and style will depend on individual preferences and artistic attitudes of the participant. It will be possible to bind the created works to form a book (e.g. leporello) or to construct a graphic installation.