Etching Techniques using Zinc Plate with Michael Kempson

Suitable for intermediate – advanced students. Not suitable for beginners.

This course will provide personalised instruction into the enticing world of etching. This will involve a creative engagement with image production techniques appropriate for zinc plate. Traditional and experimental approaches will be offered, using both monochromatic and colour methods.

Students will be supported in the development of their imagery, with insight into how ideas can be cultivated and then transformed into printed outcomes. This will be achieved through constructive group discussion and individual conversation, consistent demonstration, along with weekly access to relevant reference material, including a diverse collection of work by numerous artists.

Students also have the option to participate in an editioning project that can run parallel to their self-initiated work, resulting in a set of prints for each participant at the completion of the course.

Materials

What’s Provided

• Solvents
• Grounds
• Plate degreasing materials
• Nitric Acid
• Paintable acid resist
• Muslin (3m each)
• Inking card
• Solvent-based Inks - relief and intaglio
• Refined linseed oil
• Zinc Plate - 1 plate for editioning project
• Sharpening stones
• Spatulas
• Masking tape
• 3M P2 Mask
• Surgical gloves for inking
• Newsprint
• Towels

Zinc Plate, Etching Paper (Hahnemuhle 300gsm) and additional muslin - will be available for purchase

Specialised Tools (for loan) - scribes, burnishers, scrapers, mezzotint rockers

Student Materials

• Etching scribe
• Proofing paper
• Sketch/Note book - with great ideas!
• Pen and pencil (2B), sharpener
• Box cutter
• Ruler
• Marking pen - two colours might be even better
• Apron/Old clothes - that you are happy to get dirty
• Acid resistant gloves - to suit hand size
• White carbon paper
• Folder - to transport completed etchings
• Newspaper
• Phone book
• 2 glass jars with lids
• A range of brushes - for painting acid resist.
• Hand cleaner - I recommend vegetable oil then soap.
• A good length of bubble wrap

Please note that enclosed shoes must be worn during the class

Michael Kempson

Michael Kempson is a practicing artist and custom printer who lives and works in Sydney. He has considerable teaching experience with positions that have included: Head of Department - Printmaking, Meadowbank TAFE (1986-2003): Senior Lecturer, Convenor of Printmaking Studies, The University of New South Wales (2004-2023); as well as periods as a visiting professor at Beijing (2010,2025), Xi’an (2012), Tianjin (2016) and Shanghai (2017) Academies of Fine Art in China; and as a resident artist at Alfred University, New York, USA (2017).

Michael has been showing consistently since 1983, with 34 solo and over 250 group exhibitions, with his most recent contributions being Garden Variety at Manly Art Gallery and Museum (2025/26) and Curious Animals at 798 International Art Exchange Centre, Beijing, China (2025).

Terms & Conditions

Please choose carefully as fees are non-refundable. Refunds of course fees will only be given if the course is cancelled or a place is not available in the course.

Payment of course fees implies that you have read and agree to the WAC Terms & Conditions.