Instructor: Ron Garrett

Solarplates are a simple approach and safer alternative to traditional etching and relief printing. Solarplate has a light-sensitive polymer surface on a steel backing for artists to produce fine prints. All one needs is inspiration, a graphic image created on a transparent film (acetate or glass), sun or UV light, tap water, and the process is ready to begin.

Both positives and negatives ways of working can be utilized to create exciting images with either intaglio or relief printing techniques. The final plate is inked by hand and printed on an etching press. Solarplate may also be combined with other traditional techniques, such as Chine colle, collagraph, monotype, or even collage.

So bring photographs, sketches, or any images to get yourself started. The workshop will be fast paced and each participant should leave with a solarplate etching and numerous prints pulled in studio.