Introduction to Intaglio Etching, Day 1

Introduction to Intaglio Etching

A hands-on, two-day introduction to copperplate printmaking using at etching needle of a pen, and pulling your own print on a real press.  No experience necessary.

When: August 1 & 2, 2026

Time: 12pm-6pm

Where: Graphic Arts Workshop @ 2565 3rd Street, #305, San Francisco, CA 94107

Fees: $275, materials provided

Registration and payment information:  Contact Declan Riordan, call at 207-745-4760, Email declan.riordan1@gmail.com or art@deepthawtz.com

Instructor: Declan Riordan, artist and printmaking technician at University of Maine

Teaching assistant: Dylan Clendenin, working artist based in San Francisco

Day One: Hardground & Line

Apply hardground to your plate and transfer a drawing onto it.  Etch in ferric chloride, no dangerous fumes.  Then ink, wipe, and set the press to pull your first print.

Day Two: Aquatint & Tone

Continue your line plate or start a second, adding aquatint for a range of tone.  Ink and print again, and leave with two finished copper plates of your own