One of the Elements of Art we spend a lot of time on in foundational courses is value. Apply those value scales with drypoint, an ancient intaglio printmaking method, for the ultimate hands-on value exercise! Drypoint involves engraving directly on a copper plate with a sharp pin tool to create grooves. These grooves fill with ink and then transfer to paper to produce a final print. When students play with the depth and pressure of their engravings, they can achieve a wide range of tones while learning a new medium.
Shake things up with how you teach value and bring drypoint to your students for ultimate engagement.
Drypoint originated in the late 15th century but because it’s such an enriching process that creates rich, velvety lines, it’s one that’s here to stay. Along with providing many opportunities for students to explore how line and pressure create different values, drypoint promotes backward design thinking. Students engrave the images in reverse so that when they ink and print the plate, the final image is facing the correct way. The drypoint process of engraving, inking, printing, and refining also mirrors the scientific method, encouraging students to hypothesize, test, and revise their work based on the observed results. This cyclical learning process enhances their ability to critique their work and approach problems.
A little bit of prep goes a long way!
Preparing for drypoint printmaking may seem daunting, but with a few strategic steps and hacks, you can create a seamless experience for you and your students.
Here are a few tricks to keep your classroom under control:
- Pre-rip or cut both dry and damp rags and paper towels for wiping plates and hands.
- Set up stations for each step of the process to keep tools and spaces organized and clean.
- Provide disposable gloves for even speedier cleanup!
- Place non-slip material under plates when engraving so they don’t slide.
- Add a masking tape border to the copper plates to prevent cuts.
- Pre-squeeze and pre-mix inks to minimize waste.
- Collect lots of small scrap “pincher” papers for students to use as tweezers to keep their final prints clean.
- Pre-cut printing paper so students can grab and go!
- Assign students roles such as Ink Manager, Tool Keeper, Print Monitor, and Cleanup Crew to foster responsibility and ensure smooth transitions between tasks.
- Display several anchor charts around the room of tools and steps to keep students on track.
Gather these supplies and follow these four easy steps for your students to pull their first drypoint print!
To bring drypoint printing to your students, gather the following materials:
- Plates
Start with a copper or zinc plate. Trade for plexiglass for a cheaper alternative. - Etching Needles
Incise lines with needles, nails, or even toothpicks. - Printing Ink
Use oil-based ink for the best results. If oil-based is not allowed, try water-based ink. - Triangular Scraper
Pull the ink over the plate. Sub for a piece of cardboard for a free hack! - Cheesecloth
Remove excess ink from the plate with a lint-free rag. - Newspaper
Catch any lingering ink on the plate and it’s great to cover surfaces for easy cleanup! - Spray Bottle
Fill with water to dampen the paper. - Press, Baren, or Roller
Apply pressure with a printing press, baren, roller, or heavy spoon. - Paper
Print on smooth, sturdy paper such as cardstock.
1. Draw a design and transfer it to the plate.
Share examples of drypoint prints and black and white photographs for students to identify seven different values in each image. Students create their own sketches that also include a range of seven values. Encourage various markmaking techniques such as crosshatching or stippling.
Transfer the sketch with carbon or tracing paper and a waxy pencil or crayon to the plate.
2. Master the engraving process.
Students carve the design into the copper plate using a drypoint needle. Emphasize how the line depth, spacing, and variety will influence the value in the final print. Keep track of your sharps with a checkout or numbered system for safety and inventory purposes.
3. Ink like a pro!
Model the inking process before students attempt it on their own. Apply a large amount of ink to the top of the plate. Pull the ink over the whole plate using a flare scraper or cardboard. Then, wipe off the extra ink with a cheesecloth or rag. Use newspaper to wipe out the highlights.
4. Print and review.
Walk the inked and wiped plates over to the printing station. Lightly spray a sheet of paper with a spray bottle. Blot it with a paper towel if it’s too wet; it should be slightly damp. Line the paper up on top of the plate. Use a press, baren, roller, or spoon to press the paper onto the plate.
Carefully lift the print, using scrap paper as tweezers to keep the final print fingerprint-free. Demonstrate how to number, title, and sign the print.
Drypoint is such an underrated medium in the K-12 art room. It exposes your students to the art of printmaking and provides an opportunity to explore the element of value in a fresh way. The drypoint process also encourages students to hone their backward design thinking and make connections with the scientific method. There are many hacks to make drypoint affordable and manageable for the art room, such as subbing plexiglass for copper plates and cardboard for scrapers. Give drypoint a chance and get ready for rich, nostalgic imagery that will keep you and your students captivated!
What reservations or questions do you still have about drypoint in the K-12 art room?
Who are your favorite drypoint artists to share?
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Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
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