THURSDAYS | NOV 16, 23, 30 & DEC 7 | 6:45 - 8:15PM | Ages 13 - 17 | Discovery Centre

This program provides an opportunity for youth ages 13-17 to learn fundamental visual art techniques using a variety of unconventional materials and processes. Out-of-the-box thinking is encouraged as the instructor guides teens through two intricate projects over the span of the 4-week course. Focus will be placed on developing and refining technical skills, engaging in meaningful conversations, and gaining self-confidence along the way. A new subject is explored each season, with past classes diving into inks, still-life, colour and more!

This edition is inspired by Japanese Ukiyo-ewood block prints. Arts Instructor Candice Arnold will guide students through various dry point etching techniques, as well as inking & printing demonstrations. Students will experiment & explore this Intaglio Printmaking process, while developing their own ocean composition. Afterwards they will learn how to emboss crustacean creatures in copper foil.

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Day 1: Ocean Themed Composition Drawings & Japanese Printmaking History

Students will begin drawing their ocean composition to prepare for the etching process. The theme is ‘Above& Beneath the Ocean’. Imaginations and creativity will be encouraged. They could draw whales, octopus, shipwrecks beneath the ocean and mountains, volcanos, waves, ships, above the ocean. The instructor will give a brief description on Japanese printmaking history, while providing visual aids of Ukiyo-e prints & ocean imagery to promote inspiration. 

Day 2: Drypoint Etching Techniques (creating texture, light, and shadow)

Students will learn about drypoint etching techniques through watching the instructor’s demonstration. They will trace their own ocean drawings from Day 1 onto plexiglass plates by etching the imagery to create incised lines. They will be encouraged to create texture, light and shadow effects using the drypoint needles. For example, ‘crosshatching’ can create a shadow effect.

Day 3: Printing Process with Ink & Press

The Arts Instructor will demonstrate how to soak thick paper in water to prepare for printmaking. Students will be shown how to add etching ink to the plexiglass surface and remove excess ink. They will experience how to use a printing press to apply pressure thus creating a finished print!

Day 4: Copper Embossing

Throughout this art project students will learn the opposite of an etched surface, by embossing a raised surface to create a three-dimensional effect. They may choose any crustacean creature to emboss into copper foil. Their creature can be realistic, impressionistic, or abstract. The end result will be a stunning piece of copper art that can be added to cards or book covers.

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About the Instructor:

Candice Arnold graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 2005. She has since explored her love of teaching at the Esplanade utilizing materials such as clay, painting, printmaking, pastels, charcoal, and inks. She began with the Esplanade as our Summer Arts Camp Instructor in 2006, continuing in that role for 4 summers while also transitioning into her Esplanauts Instructor role in fall 2006. Alongside her 16+ years of experience with us, she has also facilitated programming at both Medalta and Inspire Café.

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A patron may withdraw their registration up to two weeks prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund. No refund will be issued within the two weeks prior to the start date, but withdrawals during that time period will be considered on a case by case basis and may result in a credit applied to the patron’s name. No credit or refund will be issued to any withdrawals within three business days before the start date of the program.

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