Discover the fundamentals of hard ground etching, one of the classic techniques of intaglio printmaking. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to draw directly into an acid-resistant ground on a metal plate, etch your design, and print it using a professional etching press.
Hard ground etching is particularly suited to line-based drawing, illustration, detail, and mark-making, allowing you to create anything from delicate lines to expressive textures and bold graphic imagery.
This workshop is designed to give you a solid foundation in the traditional etching process while encouraging you to develop your own visual ideas and approach to printmaking.
You’ll be guided through the complete hard ground etching process:
Preparing the Plate
Learn how to prepare and coat a metal plate with hard ground before creating your image.
Drawing into the Ground
Use an etching needle to draw through the ground and expose the metal surface beneath. Explore line quality, hatching, cross-hatching, texture, and tonal effects.
Etching the Plate
Learn how the exposed lines are bitten into the metal using acid and how etching time affects the depth and character of your marks.
Preparing the Plate for Printing
Understand how to clean, prepare, and inspect your etched plate before printing.
Inking & Wiping
Learn the traditional intaglio inking process and how careful wiping helps control the balance between line, tone, and the plate surface.
Printing on the Etching Press
Print your etched plate on a professional press and learn how paper preparation, pressure, and positioning affect the final print.
Hard ground etching is an intaglio printmaking technique in which a metal plate is coated with an acid-resistant ground. The artist draws through this surface using an etching needle, exposing the metal underneath.
The plate is then immersed in an acid bath, which bites the exposed lines into the metal. Ink is pushed into these recessed lines and transferred onto dampened paper under pressure from an etching press.
The process produces distinctive drawn lines and fine detail, making hard ground etching a versatile technique for artists working with illustration, observational drawing, pattern, and expressive mark-making.
This workshop is suitable for:
Beginners interested in learning traditional etching
Artists who enjoy drawing and illustration
Printmakers looking to learn intaglio techniques
Artists interested in fine line and detailed mark-making
Anyone wanting to develop a foundation in traditional printmaking
No previous etching experience is required.
You will create your own etched metal plate and a series of prints during the workshop.
You’ll gain practical experience with the full process, from preparing your plate and developing your drawing to etching, inking, and printing.
Workshop materials and standard studio equipment are provided, including:
Metal etching plate
Hard ground
Etching needles and tools
Etching inks
Printing paper
Studio tools and materials
Etching press
Participants are encouraged to bring sketches, drawings, or reference images to use as inspiration for their plate.
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for a printmaking studio. Bring any drawings, sketches, or reference images you would like to develop into your etching.
Hard ground etching offers a unique way to transform drawing into an original printed edition.
Learn the traditional process, experiment with line and mark-making, and create your own etching at Marble Print Clay.
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