Introduction to Drypoint: Intaglio for Beginners
Discover drypoint printmaking in this 4-week beginner course. Learn non-toxic intaglio techniques, engrave plates, and print with etching presses.
program overview
This unique four week course is designed for beginners in printmaking or anyone interested in learning and exploring the materials and techniques of modern intaglio printmaking.
Drypoint is a basic intaglio technique where you scratch marks directly into a plate (plexi or metal), then force ink into the grooves. Drypoint has an iconic look, with its line quality from the burr created by the scratching and engraving process. It is also the simplest intaglio process because it is completely non-toxic and does not involve the use of grounds or acids.
Over four weeks, you will learn the basics of creating marks, inking and wiping, and printing using the studio etching presses. This course covers the distinct nature of drypoint and its use of printmaking tools, inks, paper, plate preparation and registration. Using technical demonstrations, students will learn a variety of processes on several different intaglio surfaces, such as plexiglass, zinc, and Tetra Pak. Learn to prepare different surfaces, engrave, incise, and texturize your plates, then ink and print with them. You will have hands-on experience in our studio to design and engrave your plates using an etching press, and creating hand-pulled editioned prints. By completing this workshop, you will gain confidence to access to our member’s print studio to continue working on your own independent projects after the workshop has ended.
This workshop is perfect for absolute beginners or even experienced artists who may need a refresher course in printmaking. All materials are provided. No prior printmaking experience is required.
Please note: This class requires hand dexterity to maneuver carving tools and studio equipment. Students must feel comfortable standing and handling machinery.
instructor Overview
Eileen Parent
Eileen Parent is an abstract printmaker living in Sonoma County. She has a Bachelor of Arts in painting and drawing from UC Berkeley. While experimenting with different artistic mediums she was drawn to the process of printmaking. She fell in love with printmaking’s traditional techniques and historical background and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking from Sonoma State University. She has exhibited her work in Sonoma County and the greater San Francisco Bay area. Eileen received her Master of Fine Arts degree from the California College of the Arts and is currently a lecturer in Art Studio at Sonoma State University and the Santa Rosa Junior College.
https://www.instagram.com/eileen.parent.art/
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Wednesdays Weekly · 4 Weeks
October 7 – 28, 2026
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
18-overRegistration Cost:
$195
Materials Fee:
$30
Total Registration Cost:
$225Registration closes Monday, October 5.
