Discover the expressive possibilities of soft ground etching, a versatile intaglio technique that allows you to create delicate, textured, and drawing-like marks on a metal printing plate.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare and work with a soft ground etching plate, transfer textures and drawn marks, bite the image in acid, and print your finished plate using an etching press.
Soft ground is particularly exciting for artists who enjoy drawing, texture, natural forms, and experimental mark-making, as the technique can capture the surface and character of different materials in surprising detail.
Whether you are new to etching or looking to expand your printmaking practice, this workshop offers an opportunity to slow down, experiment, and discover a more tactile approach to intaglio printmaking.
During the workshop, you’ll be guided through the complete soft ground etching process:
Preparing the Plate
Learn how to prepare a metal plate and apply a soft ground suitable for transferring textures and drawings.
Creating Your Image
Experiment with drawing, textures, fabrics, leaves, objects, and other materials to create marks on the plate.
Etching the Plate
Learn how the image is transferred into the plate through controlled acid biting.
Inking & Wiping
Explore how intaglio ink is applied and wiped from the plate to bring out the etched image and surface texture.
Printing
Print your completed plate using a professional etching press and discover how pressure, paper, and inking affect the final image.
Edition & Experimentation
Make a small number of prints and experiment with different textures, marks, and variations in your image.
Soft ground is an etching technique that uses a soft, receptive ground on the surface of a metal plate. Instead of drawing directly into a hard etching ground, artists can use pencils, textured materials, or everyday objects to create impressions in the ground.
After the plate is etched, these impressions become part of the final image, allowing artists to achieve a softer and more tactile quality than traditional hard ground etching.
The process is especially suited to drawing-based work, experimental textures, and capturing the surface qualities of natural or found materials.
This workshop is suitable for:
Beginners interested in exploring etching
Artists who already have some printmaking experience
Artists interested in drawing and texture
Printmakers looking to expand their intaglio techniques
Anyone curious about experimental approaches to printmaking
No previous soft ground etching experience is required.
During the workshop, you will create your own soft ground etching plate and printed artworks to take home.
You’ll leave with a better understanding of the soft ground process and practical experience that you can continue developing in your own printmaking practice.
Workshop materials and standard studio equipment are provided, including:
Etching plate
Soft ground
Etching inks
Printing paper
Studio tools
Etching press
Standard workshop materials
Participants are also encouraged to bring small objects, fabrics, plants, textures, photographs, or drawing ideas that they would like to experiment with during the workshop.
Soft ground etching offers a unique way to translate touch, texture, and drawing into print.
Come experiment with the process, create your own etched plate, and discover the tactile possibilities of intaglio printmaking at Marble Print Clay.
Sign up to get the latest on classes, sales, new releases and more!
