Course
Title
Tutor
Day & time
Dates
Code
Level
Intaglio - Spitbite, Sugarlift and Gum Arabic
Victoria Browne
Tuesdays, 10am – 5pm
13/01/2015 – 24/03/2015
D1402PR05
Optional/Diploma/Certificate
What is this course about?
This course focuses on painting through etching; an intaglio approach to print, originally utilised by
Franscesco Goya to combine the tone of aquatint with the daubing and spraying of painterly brush
marks, as beautifully demonstrated today by Norman Ackroyd RA. Using a low toxic saline sulphate
mordant, students learn to paint with sugar and etch both aluminum and zinc plates to realise a
series of print editions. Guided by one to one tutoring from Victoria Browne, Head of Print at The
Art Academy, students will expand their knowledge and develop a self-led project.
The studio is a low-toxic environment with dedicated printmaking facilities for professional
hands‐on learning. Materials are not included in the course and self-led editioning projects can be
tailored to individual needs. Students benefit from the diversity of attendees, taught by
internationally renowned printmaking artists at a central location, offering a unique educational
experience in London.
By the end of this course you will:
You will be self led and have gained experience to continue developing your relief and etching
skills during Open Access on Thursday evening or Saturday daytime. Certificate students are
encouraged to apply for national printmaking competitions throughout the year.
About your tutor
Victoria Browne, is Head of Print and draws upon her firsthand experience to guide your through
the Certificate in Printmaking and an array of different techniques. Browne’s work is held in public
collections at the Tate, V&A Museum, Bristol City Museum and Bergen Council. In 2013 she was
nominated by the V&A Museum and shortlisted for The Arts Foundation Fellowship. In 2011 and
2012 she received the Birgit Skiöld Memorial Trust Award for Excellence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Suitable for beginners to printmaking, for attendees seeking to develop their skills or for students
to studying a Certificate in Printmaking / Drawing.
Weekly breakdown
Courses at the Art Academy offer a structured approach to ensure specific subjects, skills and
methods are covered. Below is a weekly breakdown of what will be covered. Bear in mind that
these classes will move with the pace of the class so a degree of flexibility of what will be covered
on which day will be employed.
Please refer to our website for full terms and conditions
The Art Academy / Mermaid Court / 165A Borough High Street / London / SE1 1HR
artacademy.org.uk / 020 7407 6969
Week
Topic/skills covered
Wk 1
Introduction
Visit to a contemporary print exhibition and public collection. Followed by a simple
demonstration of intaglio spitbite on aluminium.
Wk 2
Sugar lift: Zinc
Degreasing a zinc plate, applying a sugar lift and an aquatint before etching in a saline
sulphate mordant. Setting up the etching press and preparing paper to print. Proofing
the plate with black ink, different methods of wiping the plate with tarlatan, newsprint
and by hand.
Wk 3
Spitbite
Degreasing, before applying an aquatint and spitbite to the surface of the plate. Setting
up the etching press and preparing paper to print. Proofing the plate with black ink.
Wk 4
Gum Arabic
Degreasing, before applying a layer of gum arabic and liquid hard ground to crackle the
surface before multiple etchings in saline sulphate mordant. Setting up the etching
press and preparing paper to print. Proofing the plate with black ink, utilising different
methods of wiping the plate with tarlatan, newsprint and by hand.
Wk 5
Combining Spitbite, Sugarlift and Gum Arabic
Degreasing the plate, applying multiple etching techniques and scraping back to white.
Setting up the etching press and preparing paper to print. Printing the plate with
different colours.
Wk
6-9
Etching : Self led project
Students will apply their skills to develop a professional edition of etchings supported
by one to one advice from the tutor.
Wk 10
Documentation and Group Crit
Students will learn to photograph their prints and post edit in Adobe Photoshop for
future documentation, before presenting their work during a Group Crit in the
afternoon.
Resources & Further Reading
Artists: David Hockeny, Richard Hamilton, Michael Landy, Gert & Uwe Tobias, Norman Ackroyd,
Francesco Goya, Eric Gill, Kuniyoshi, Pablo Picasso, Frans Masereel, Edvard Munch, Hokusai and
Chuck Close
Museum Print Collections: Tate, V&A and the British Museum.
Print Libraries: National Art Library (V&A), St. Bride Library, Westminster Reference Library
Assessment
On attendance only, 80% of the course must be covered to pass.
Feedback will be given throughout and verbal assessment will be given on the last week of the
course.
Please refer to our website for full terms and conditions
The Art Academy / Mermaid Court / 165A Borough High Street / London / SE1 1HR
artacademy.org.uk / 020 7407 6969