The image shown here, its simplicity and directness, was what first interested me in the drypoint technique. (Drypoint and watercolour, copyright Richard Spare)
I’ve just been talking to Peter Braune, who will be running the workshop, and getting a few more details.
Attendees will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of this type of printmaking, that is especially suited to beginners. We will be using plate size 3” x 4” or smaller, so have that in mind when choosing your image. Draw directly on the plate, experiment with making different kinds of marks, try out different tools and see what effects you can get. You will learn how to incise a plate, ink, wipe and print it onto dampened paper, using oil based inks.
Start time: 12.30 pm, giving you time to have lunch - plenty of good places to eat on Granville Island! It will run for 4 - 5 hours, so we can actually get some prints made. You should be able to make and print at least two plates, we are aiming to try both plastic and copper plates.
The ‘incising’ of the plates basically consists of using a tool to scratch an image onto the surface of the plate. Ink is then spread onto the plate, and into the scratches, and also collects around the burr raised by the tool, giving the characteristic fuzzy line. You will learn the technique of wiping excess ink off the plate, before printing onto dampened paper on the intaglio press.
This will be a fun opportunity to try a new technique, and get out of your comfort zone. There are still a few places left on this workshop, so sign up today, while stocks last! There is a small fee of $10 for materials, folks this is a steal of a deal.
A word about BIMPE (pronounced bimpey). This is the Biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition held every two years in Vancouver, http://www.newleafeditions.com/bimpe/ If you look at past years’ catalogues, you will see many images produced using drypoint, either alone or in combination with other techniques.
A word about BIMPE (pronounced bimpey). This is the Biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition held every two years in Vancouver, http://www.newleafeditions.com/bimpe/ If you look at past years’ catalogues, you will see many images produced using drypoint, either alone or in combination with other techniques.