Limerick Printmakers Intro Intaglio Course – Drypoint & Chine Collé will take place in the Limerick Printmakers studio on Sunday 22nd October from 10am – 5pm.

These lines create a burr that holds ink while any ink on the surface of the plate can be wiped back, meaning that the sunken lines of the drawing/ mark-making creates the print. This is the opposite of relief printmaking. Drypoint is a non-toxic, easy to understand print technique, and a great way to explore printmaking while translating sketches and drawings directly to print.

Traditionally plates were made of copper but now acetate or zinc are also commonly used. On this course, participants will use acetate as it is easy to work with and sketches can be used as a reference guide underneath the clear acetate if desired. Participants will also learn to incorporate chine collé into their drypoint prints on the day. Chine collé is a technique often used in conjunction with etching or lithography, whereby a tissue-thin layer of paper, cut to fit within the printing plate is affixed to the printing plate with adhesive before being run though the press to reinforce the bond using pressure.

This technique is a great way to incorporate additional colour, texture, shape, and compositional choices into your print. Chine is the French word for China, as the thin paper originally used with this technique was imported from China, while collé is the French word for ‘glued.’ Participants will first make several mini drypoints’ as they practice the technique before working on an A5 plate that will also incorporate chine collé. Participants are advised that if preparing their own imagery/ designs in advance, to work within the A5 size, & we recommend that images are not overly detailed or complex to ensure the best learning experience.