Workshop

General Description

Introduction to Etching is a unique opportunity to learn the theory and practice of copper plate etching. Ideal for beginners, this course offers a comprehensive foundation in line etching, covering both fundamental techniques and advanced processes involved in creating high-quality works. Students receive both individual and group critiques, with weekly group evaluations and a final critique of the work completed at the end of the course.

The course is studio-based, with additional Art History and Technical lectures, field or model drawing, material lectures, studio demonstrations, and intensive, hands-on monitored studio/lab work. During the first week, students receive full instruction in the morning and afternoon. During the second week, full instruction continues in the morning sessions, while afternoon sessions are dedicated to studio lab time, during which students continue to work in the studio under supervision. Students are introduced to the fundamental aspects of line etching and finish the course with at least two of their own completed copper plates and the technical skills to create more in the future. In the studio, students learn to prepare grounds on copper plates, select or develop their own images for transfer, and practice the techniques and processes of biting, proof-printing, and plate correction to produce their final prints.

Emphasis is given to the selection and creation of an image, which must be drawn with an understanding of how it will eventually be translated onto copper and into a print, and students are expected to draw from life. Students in this course have the opportunity to create drawings “in the field” around Florence, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and receive support in selecting appropriate locations for their drawings. Alternatively, students may draw from a live model under the instruction of FAA’s experienced teachers. If a student would like to work on creating an etching of a previously made drawing, the student may discuss it with the instructor at the beginning of the course.

The Etching Workshop takes place in The Florence Academy of Art’s brand new etching studio, complete with four state-of-the-art printing presses, in the heart of FAA Florence’s beautiful and vibrant main school campus.

During the course, students receive an extended list of etchers to study and a list of reference books to further investigate the medium of etching on their own.

Maximum enrollment: 12 students.

Additional Info

Medium & Materials

Copper Plate Etching

Students receive a list of materials required for the workshop in their acceptance email. 

FAA provides all lab materials needed during the workshop. Etching tools and other individual materials are not included in the tuition fee and may be purchased in advance and at a discounted rate directly from the Florentine art supply store, Zecchi. Students will find their supplies waiting for them in their studio upon arrival in Florence.

Estimated cost of materials: EUR 200
Overall costs can vary depending on the selected brand and/or supplier.

Caution: Certain materials used in the etching course may present health hazards. Students will be provided with guidance on safety procedures by their instructors and will be required to sign the “Appropriate Use of Materials and Safety” form prior to commencing the workshop, ensuring proper handling and safety measures.

What’s Included

Faculty

This course, designed in 2023 by FAA’s Founder, Daniel Graves, a renowned painter and master etcher, is taught by FAA Director of Etching, Matteo Taverna, who has trained extensively under Daniel Graves, ensuring expert guidance throughout the learning process.

Matteo Taverna is an Italian artist based in Florence. Born in Voghera, Italy, Matteo spent his childhood in the small town of Valenza Po, characterized by its proximity to nature. He began his artistic education aged 14 at the Liceo Artistico Carrà in Valenza, where he gained a foundation in drawing and the humanities. Matteo went on to train at The Florence Academy of Art, learning traditional methods of drawing and painting in order to work realistically. He completed the Painting Program in 2019. Matteo is deeply interested in nature and the humanities and seeks to connect his work to what he defines as humanity, from feelings to archetypes, from emotions to stories. He is also fascinated by the materials and alchemy of painting, and spends time researching new formulas and techniques in drawing and painting to apply to his work. At present, Matteo is a Principal Instructor in the Intensive Drawing Program at The Florence Academy of Art.

See more of Matteo’s work in the Alumni Gallery and @matteotaverna25

ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293, Florence, Italy