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Introduction to Etching & Aquatint
Learn copper plate etching with aquatint and multi-plate registration in this two-session printmaking workshop. Beginners and returning students welcome.
program overview
Aquatint and Multi-Plate Registration
Join our next two-session workshop and study the art of copper plate etching! Open to new beginners or continuing students, this unique course is focused on achieving the rich tones of aquatint and the precision of multi-plate registration. This is your opportunity to learn a 500-year-old printmaking process with techniques favored by masters like Rembrandt, Goya, Picasso, and Mary Cassatt.
In the first meeting, you will learn (or review) how to prepare your copper plate, design your image, apply a ground, and then etch with a spray paint aquatint. Between sessions, your instructor will carefully manage the etching process by immersing your plate in the etchant solution. During the second meeting, you will learn to ink your plate(s), prepare paper, and operate the printing press. You will also take part in a multi-plate registration demonstration to incorporate various colors and layers into a single print.
Upon completing this workshop, you will have the skills to create beautiful, hand-pulled prints and take home your etched copper plate, ready for independent practice during printmaking open studio sessions. This comprehensive course also covers essential knowledge of papers, tools, and inks.
Prior etching and print studio experience is helpful, but not required. Continuing etching students are welcome to attend and continue working on prior etchings or create new plates. Students will receive instruction, and can choose to work with the instructor to develop projects based on their next level of learning. Interested participants are welcomed to contact the instructor for any questions about the workshop.
This class requires hand dexterity to maneuver the etching tools. Participants should feel comfortable using tools with sharp edges and using printing equipment.
instructor Overview
Dennis Ahearn
Dennis Ahearn is a multidisciplinary artist and printmaker. He received his BFA in Studio Art Ceramics from the University of Central Florida in 2004 and his MFA in Printmaking from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 2007. During his time at Tyler, he spent one year at their campus in Rome, Italy. From 2007-2019 he was a full-time Lecturer at the University of Central Florida where he taught all levels of printmaking, drawing, and design. Dennis uses painting, drawing, and printmaking to combine art with text and creates deeply personal images. He lives and works in Santa Rosa, California with his wife and two young children.
www.dennisahearn.com
Membership Has It’s 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.
Sundays · 2 Weeks
July 12 & July 19, 2026
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Experience Level
BeginningAge(s)
18-overRegistration Cost:
$185
Materials Fee:
$40
Total Registration Cost:
$225
