Drypoint Etching GCSE Art Project

This is a full drypoint etching GCSE art project. It covers the four AQA assessment objectives and is based on the theme ‘Inside Out’. I have taught this project as a mini project but it could easily be extended or developed.

You need some basic equipment: printing ink, perspex (old CD cases work well) I got off cuts from the school DT department. A tool to scratch the perspex (anything with a sharp point works) and a printing press. If you don’t have a printing press, you can easily transfer the image using a wooden spoon or similar.

The project uses Leonardo da Vinci’s anatomy drawings as a starting point and asks students to look at his work then respond. I had students do observational drawings from skulls / bones from the science department.

I had students work on design sheets for this project but you could easily do the same in sketchbooks. Students create a series of observational drawings then use them, along with pictures of celebrities or inspirational people, to create ‘Inside Out’ portraits which show half a face and half a skull.

I have included steps for each stage of the processes, including drawing skulls, and videos (slides 18 and 20 - link is also in the notes) that show students what drypoint etching is and how to do it. The slides show clear instructions for students and I have also incuded examples of student’s work at each stage. Students create colourful, creative prints that they can work independently on once they know the process.

Students were asked to create test prints then a series of final colourful prints - I was really impressed with their outcomes!