Course description
What does the course lead to?
Upon successful completion of the course you will achieve a BTEC Award in Visual Arts (Level 1).In addition to this you will have acquired specific skills and knowledge in printmaking, and gained the experience and confidence to continue to practice printmaking at a higher level (please see level 2 and 3 courses in printmaking).
What does the course involve?
You will be introduced to printmaking techniques through demonstrations and workshops. You will explore the following techniques;
* Dry point -drawing directly onto a metal plate and printing using an etching press.
* Etching -a print taken from a metal plate onto which the design has been produced through the biting action of acid.
* Aquatint –creating tone on an etching plate
* Sugar lift –utilising a painterly approach to etching.
* Colour printing –exploring many different ways of using colour in a print.
* Chin colle - the image is impressed onto a thin sheet of paper
* Embossing –create impressions in paper.
These techniques will help you to explore drawing through mark-making, tone, texture and application of colour.
Each week a new technique is introduced through a demonstration. Students are encouraged to explore the creative possibilities of these approaches throughout the session. Students will gain from individual support to guide them through set projects or to realise self initiated work. At the end of the course you will have the opportunity to exhibit some of your work in the end of year show at Hortensia Road.
Where will I study?
The printmaking studio is at the Hortensia Centre in the main Sloane building on the third floor, room S304. The studio is spacious and light with good fume extraction and specialist facilities including 2 Rochat printing presses, bed size: 26x48”.
How much should I study outside class?
In order to make the most of your experience on this course it is recommended that you prepare imagery and materials outside of the session, however this is not a course requirement. You are also asked to keep a sketchbook to document your research and development.
How is the course assessed?
In order to pass this course you will need to hand in a selection of the prints completed on the course, along with any supporting work or sketchbooks completed on the course.
