If you are new to printmaking or interested in developing your skills, this course provides the ideal combination of learning and practice, all set in the beautiful valleys, villages and historic cities of Tuscany. Mornings will be devoted to tuition led by professional Anglo-Italian artist and printmaker, Walter Sarfatti. It will be a combination of theory and hands-on practical work.

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Pasted Graphic
Day 1: A brief introduction to main techniques and some history; preparation and cleaning of the plate; wax and other grounds; working into the ground; stopping out.
• Day 2: Acquatint technique; alternative acquatint; soft ground impressions; sugar lift grounds; preparation of printing paper.
• Day 3: Open bite – relief etching; drypoint method; methods of biting the plate; rebiting the plate; corrections.
• Day 4: Oil inks and water based inks; wiping the plate; the press; taking the print; drying the print; some basic elements for multiple colour etching.
• Day 5: The finishing touches; editions; exhibit of students’ works.

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Participants are invited to bring along some of their own images for making into prints, plus any etching tools they own. The course is suitable for beginner level through intermediate. Those starting out will learn plenty of new skills, and more experienced printmakers will be able to refine their technique and compare notes with other colleagues.
The afternoons will feature two excursions, opportunities to draw or paint landscapes, architecture, street scenes and cityscapes typical of the area, and/or optional activities or excursions. The excursion to San Gimignano will feature a visit to Walter’s workshop in that historic town.
The other included excursion will be to a Chianti wine cellar for wine-tasting. Dinner on the last evening will take place in a traditional Tuscan farmhouse.
This combination, along with an abundant supply of wonderful subjects literally on our doorstep, provides participants with an intensive opportunity to enjoy and improve their skills, and immerse themselves in the colourful Tuscan surroundings and culture in an informal holiday atmosphere. The optional excursions will be organised to suit the composition and interests of the group. Tuscan Affairs can arrange transport, guided tours, walking, or other activities. The daily programme will be adjusted as required to take advantage of weather conditions.This course can also be run as one-day classes. More prints