Printmaking and Advanced Etching

          Module 1: Fundamentals and History of Printmaking and Etching

Section 1: Course Introduction and Overview
Lesson 1: Course Overview  
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 1: An introduction to the course objectives, expectations, and a brief look at printmaking and etching.  
Lesson 2: Understanding Printmaking and Etching  
  Module 1, Section 1, Lesson 2: Defining printmaking and etching, exploring their roles in art, and outlining the creative potential of reproducible art.

Section 2: History and Evolution of Printmaking
Lesson 1: Historical Overview of Printmaking  
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 1: A look at the origins and evolution of printmaking across cultures and time periods.  
Lesson 2: Key Artists and Influences  
  Module 1, Section 2, Lesson 2: Examining influential artists and movements that shaped printmaking and etching techniques.

Section 3: Basic Terminology and Concepts
Lesson 1: Essential Printmaking Terms  
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 1: Introducing basic terminology such as matrix, plate, impression, and edition.  
Lesson 2: Introduction to Materials and Techniques  
  Module 1, Section 3, Lesson 2: Overview of basic materials and processes used in printmaking and etching.

Section 4: Creative Exploration and Artistic Mindset
Lesson 1: Observational Skills and Sketching  
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 1: Learning to observe forms and textures, with an emphasis on drawing as a basis for prints.  
Lesson 2: Developing a Personal Artistic Vision  
  Module 1, Section 4, Lesson 2: Encouraging experimentation and forming individual approaches to mark-making and image development.

Section 5: Safety and Studio Etiquette
Lesson 1: Safety with Printmaking Materials  
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 1: Understanding safety procedures when working with chemicals, tools, and specialized equipment.  
Lesson 2: Studio Organization and Etiquette  
  Module 1, Section 5, Lesson 2: Best practices for maintaining a clean, organized, and respectful studio environment.

Module 2: Materials, Tools, and Studio Set-Up

Section 1: Understanding Printmaking Materials
Lesson 1: Paper, Inks, and Plates  
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 1: Exploring different types of paper, inks, and plates used in various printmaking processes.  
Lesson 2: Introduction to Linocut Materials  
  Module 2, Section 1, Lesson 2: Reviewing the types of linoleum, rollers, and inks suitable for linocut techniques.

Section 2: Printmaking Tools and Equipment
Lesson 1: Tools for Etching and Intaglio  
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 1: Familiarizing with specialized tools such as etching needles, acid baths, and burnishers.  
Lesson 2: Tools for Linocut and Screen Printing  
  Module 2, Section 2, Lesson 2: An overview of carving tools, squeegees, and screens, plus their maintenance.

Section 3: Studio Set-Up and Workspace Organization
Lesson 1: Setting Up a Printmaking Workspace  
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 1: Guidelines for creating an efficient, safe, and inspiring printmaking studio at home or in a classroom.  
Lesson 2: Organizing Tools and Materials  
  Module 2, Section 3, Lesson 2: Practical tips for storing supplies, managing workspaces, and planning studio layouts.

Section 4: Material Safety and Maintenance Practices
Lesson 1: Safe Handling of Chemicals and Inks  
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 1: Procedures and best practices for handling acids, solvents, and inks safely during printmaking processes.  
Lesson 2: Cleaning and Maintaining Equipment  
  Module 2, Section 4, Lesson 2: Step-by-step routines for cleaning tools and prolonging the life of your materials.

Section 5: Resource Management and Cost-Effective Practices
Lesson 1: Sourcing Affordable Art Supplies  
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 1: Strategies for finding quality materials without overspending, including local resources and art supply swaps.  
Lesson 2: Reusing and Recycling Materials  
  Module 2, Section 5, Lesson 2: Creative ways to repurpose and recycle printmaking materials to reduce waste and cost.

Module 3: Basic Techniques in Etching

Section 1: Introduction to Etching Techniques
Lesson 1: Fundamentals of the Etching Process  
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 1: A step-by-step overview of etching, explaining its basic principles and creative potential.  
Lesson 2: Tools and Materials for Etching  
  Module 3, Section 1, Lesson 2: A detailed introduction to the tools, chemicals, and plates required for etching.

Section 2: Preparing the Plate and Applying the Ground
Lesson 1: Plate Preparation Techniques  
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 1: How to prepare metal plates, focusing on cleaning, smoothing, and applying an even surface.  
Lesson 2: Applying the Ground and Resist Techniques  
  Module 3, Section 2, Lesson 2: Instruction on how to apply a resist (ground) and prepare the plate for the etching process.

Section 3: The Etching Process in Detail
Lesson 1: Performing a Basic Acid Etch  
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 1: Demonstrating proper acid application to create incised lines on the prepared plate.  
Lesson 2: Managing Exposure Times and Safety Measures  
  Module 3, Section 3, Lesson 2: Learning to control chemical exposure, monitor etching progress, and ensure personal safety.

Section 4: Proofing and Refinement Techniques
Lesson 1: Creating and Evaluating Proofs  
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 1: Techniques for transferring ink to paper to create a proof and assess the etching’s effectiveness.  
Lesson 2: Adjusting and Refining the Plate  
  Module 3, Section 4, Lesson 2: Methods for error correction and plate refinement based on early proofs.

Section 5: Troubleshooting Common Etching Issues
Lesson 1: Identifying and Resolving Mistakes  
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 1: How to detect common problems in etching work and apply corrective techniques.  
Lesson 2: Preventative Steps for Consistent Results  
  Module 3, Section 5, Lesson 2: Best practices to mitigate errors in future etchings, ensuring quality output each time.

Module 4: Fundamentals of Linocut and Screen Printing

Section 1: Introduction to Linocut
Lesson 1: Overview of the Linocut Technique  
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 1: An introduction to linocut, its history, and its role within the printmaking family.  
Lesson 2: Selecting Materials for Linocut  
  Module 4, Section 1, Lesson 2: Understanding the different types of linoleum and the tools needed for carving.

Section 2: Carving and Preparing the Linocut Block
Lesson 1: Basic Carving Techniques  
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 1: Demonstrating fundamental carving methods to safely and effectively produce image designs.  
Lesson 2: Transferring Designs to the Block  
  Module 4, Section 2, Lesson 2: Techniques for transferring sketches onto linoleum and preparing for carving.

Section 3: Printing Techniques for Linocut
Lesson 1: Ink Application for Linocut  
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 1: How to evenly apply ink to the carved block using rollers and establish clear impressions.  
Lesson 2: Making Your First Print  
  Module 4, Section 3, Lesson 2: Step-by-step process for transferring ink onto paper and creating a reproducible print.

Section 4: Introduction to Screen Printing
Lesson 1: Screen Printing Setup and Materials  
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 1: Overview of screen printing basics including setup, required tools, and safety guidelines.  
Lesson 2: Emulsion Application and Screen Preparation  
  Module 4, Section 4, Lesson 2: Instructions for applying emulsion to screens and preparing them for design exposure.

Section 5: Experimenting with Printing Processes
Lesson 1: Multi-Color Printing Techniques  
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 1: Exploring basic methods for layering colors and achieving depth in prints.  
Lesson 2: Troubleshooting Print Inconsistencies  
  Module 4, Section 5, Lesson 2: Strategies for identifying issues during printing and steps to remedy misalignments or ink problems.

Module 5: Creative Project and Personal Expression

Section 1: Project Concept Development
Lesson 1: Brainstorming and Ideation  
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 1: Techniques for creative brainstorming and generating unique project ideas in printmaking.  
Lesson 2: Sketching and Planning Your Project  
  Module 5, Section 1, Lesson 2: Translating ideas into sketches and creating a project plan outlining steps and materials.

Section 2: Design and Composition Fundamentals
Lesson 1: Principles of Design in Printmaking  
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 1: Introduction to composition, balance, contrast, and focal points in creating effective prints.  
Lesson 2: Organizing Visual Elements  
  Module 5, Section 2, Lesson 2: Techniques for arranging elements to enhance the narrative and aesthetic appeal of your work.

Section 3: Practical Project Execution
Lesson 1: Setting Up Your Project Workspace  
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 1: Organizing materials, planning time, and establishing an efficient system for executing your print project.  
Lesson 2: Step-by-Step Project Implementation  
  Module 5, Section 3, Lesson 2: Guided instructions for transitioning from concept to creation, incorporating learned techniques.

Section 4: Finishing Techniques and Final Touches
Lesson 1: Refining Your Print  
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 1: Methods for final corrections, improving ink distribution, and ensuring clarity in your prints.  
Lesson 2: Preparing the Final Piece for Presentation  
  Module 5, Section 4, Lesson 2: Techniques for mounting, framing, and protecting your artwork for display.

Section 5: Critique, Reflection, and Presentation
Lesson 1: Peer Review and Constructive Criticism  
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 1: Engaging in group critique sessions to evaluate work, provide feedback, and learn collaboratively.  
Lesson 2: Reflective Discussion and Future Directions  
  Module 5, Section 5, Lesson 2: Reflecting on the project process, discussing lessons learned, and exploring future creative possibilities.