Darkness & light: Mezzotint with Mychael Barratt
1 day course
21 May 2027
10am to 4pm
£165 including 1 x Mezzotint plate
Mychael Barratt, former President of the Royal Society of Painter Printmakers will introduce you to this thoughtful, expressive printmaking process. Mezzotint works from dark to bring the light into your image as you work on your plate, ideal for creating dramatic contrasts as well as soft subtle tones. The plate is ‘rocked’ to create a 'tooth' texture, and the image is created by scraping and burnishing to create lighter tones.
Working with a 14cm square plate, discuss different mark-making techniques and learn how to achieve different tones with mezzotint. Learn how to scrape and burnish highlights, experiment with tonal effects, then ink up the plate and print using an etching press.
Mychael is a master of many different techniques and his work is held in museums and collections worldwide including the British Museum and The British Library.
Course structure
• Explanation of the technique with examples of Mychael’s work
• Introduction to equipment and scraper burnisher techniques
• Planning an image and transferring the design
• How to ink the plate
• Printing the plate
Pre course information
Mezzotint is a drawing-based medium so please bring a drawing of your choice (landscape, portrait, animal or abstract composition) that would fit a 14cm square plate. Any other preparation notes will be sent prior to the course date.
Experience level
Suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills. This technique suits individuals who enjoy richly toned expressive works with soft marks, as well as those interested in the work of Mychael Barratt.
Maximum 10 places
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Booking a course
All courses are for individuals aged 18 and over unless the specific course page states it is suitable for children or young adults. If you wish to enquire about anyone under 18 attending a general course, please call us on 01223 892380
For all courses except CPSC Certificate course
Full payment of the course fee is required when booking a place. A reserved place is not secure until full payment has been received.
If for any reason you are unable to attend, we will refund monies paid minus a £25 admin fee, as long as you cancel your place more than 20 working days before the course start date.
For CPSC Certificate course
Payment for Term 1 is required when booking a place. A reserved place is not secure until this payment has been received. Payments for Terms 2 & 3 will be due at the end of the previous term. Payments for Terms 2 & 3 will be due before the first day of each term.
If for any reason prior to the commencement of the course you are unable to attend, we will refund monies paid minus a £25.00 admin fee, as long as you cancel your place more than 1 month before the course start date. Once you start the course on Term 1 you have committed to all 3 terms. Course transfers are at the discretion of Curwen Print Study Centre.
There is an option to book your place for £100 deposit. If you choose this option your place is secured. The balance of term 1 will be due 20 working days before the start of the course. If you cancel more than 20 working days before the course start date, we will refund monies paid minus a £25 admin fee. If your place is not cancelled during this timescale, and the balance is not paid then the deposit is non refundable. All other Terms & Conditions remain the same.
Curwen Print Study Centre reserves the right to cancel courses – a full refund will be made in these circumstances.
