Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE VSA1951

 
TITLE Introduction to the Art of Etching

 
UM LEVEL 01 - Year 1 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Visual Arts

 
DESCRIPTION The study-unit looks at various techniques and media used in etching. Students will tackle the processes and techniques required to handle etching and will be encouraged to explore ways of communicating through etching.

Study-Unit Aims:

The aim of this study-unit is to provide an environment in which course participants can learn the skills and techniques of the etching process while applying creative exploration in their artwork. Study-unit participants should acquire an understanding of the principles of etching and also enjoy a practice-based, hands-on approach to the medium. This study-unit will encourage the development of the students’ own artistic language through the unique opportunities offered by the etching medium, either on its own or as part of other artistic interventions. Discussions regarding etching both throughout history and in the contemporary artistic milieu will take place. By the end of the study-unit participants should be able to carry out all the steps necessary in the creation of an etching, from the knowledge of essential materials and implements to the completed print.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Understanding of the principles of etching and also enjoy a practical, hands-on approach to the medium;
- Explore the history of etching, starting with the old masters such as Durer, Rembrandt and Goya and going on to artists of more recent times such as Lucien Freud, Wols and Louise Bourgeoise;
- Describe the various phases in the process of executing a drypoint;
- Appreciate both the practical advantages of drypoint such as easy manipulation of the drypoint needle or stylus, literally drawing with a sharp tool, and the resultant implications for the artwork;
- Understand how to prepare the copper plate for drypoint;
- Understand the difference between drypoint and etching;
- Understand the processes of copper plate preparation, and etching with acid.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Carry out all the steps necessary in the creation of an etching, from the knowledge of essential materials and implements to the completed print;
- Prepare a copper plate for drypoint, including bevelling of the plate, removal of scratches with the use of different grades of wet sandpaper, drawing the sketch if desired and then using linear mark making to execute the drypoint image, inking and then cleaning the plate with a printmaker’s rag, registering the image, preparing the paper and finally, printing the image using the press;
- Handle and store paper correctly

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Practical

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Portfolio SEM1 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Irene Zammit

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit