Hard Ground Etching with Traditional Rosin Aquatint
1 day course
9 September 2025
10am to 4pm
£125 including 1 x 15x15cm or 20x15cm zinc plate
This course introduces you to the traditional techniques of hard ground etching and rosin aquatint This technique has been used for centuries to achieve fine tonal effects, which are both beautiful and distinctive. Hard ground etching is equally suited to fine detail and expressive linework of a uniform weight. The application of powdered rosin, using an aquatint box, provides the means of creating areas of tone to a metal plate.
Learn how to prepare a zinc plate for etching, apply a hard ground and scratch an image into the ground. Learn how to safely apply and fuse a fine dusting of rosin, before step-etching the plate in copper sulphate. Different areas of tone are achieved by applying an acid-resist (‘stop out’) to protect discrete areas of the image in a staged fashion.
By the end of the course, you will have created a small variable edition of prints to take home.
Course structure
• Explanation of the technique with examples.
• Explore the basic principles of hard ground and rosin aquatint.
• Learn how to prepare your plate, create an image, apply a rosin aquatint, stop out areas of the plate in planned stages, process your plate, and inking techniques.
• Using a copper sulphate solution, etch a zinc plate.
• Correct selection and preparation of paper.
• Applying a single colour ink to your plate.
• Print your plate using the etching presses.
Pre-course information
Any image preparation notes will be sent prior to the course date. You are encouraged to bring your sketchbook, any preparatory drawings of reference images with you on the day.
Experience level
Suitable for beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills.
Maximum 5 places
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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 £20 admin fee, as long as you cancel your place more than 1 month 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 £20.00 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 £20 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.
