Intaglio (pronounced en/TAHL/yoh) is an Italian word that means to carve or cut into. Intaglio describes many different processes using a scratched, cut, or etched metal or plastic plate. Working on recyclable plastic plates, students use a stylus to scratch line drawings into the surface. Students ink the incised lines and recessed textures of the plate and wipe the smooth plate surface clean. A dampened piece of paper is then placed on top of the plate and run through an etching press, which uses extreme pressure to force the paper into the inked lines.
Concepts learned during this project include:
How to safely work with etching tools
Composition using shape and line
How to create values of dark and light with line and texture
How to successfully ink and wipe a plate
How to safely and successfully print using an etching press
Drypoint classes are 2 hours in length. Students will each receive a 4 by 6-inch plastic plate to make their prints. Larger plate sizes are available. Each student can expect to make 1-3 prints. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
$10 per participant, with a maximum of 25 students. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for schools, with 40% or more students qualifying for free and reduced lunch.
If you are looking for more information or to schedule a class, please contact education@highpointprintmaking.org
