Lithography on Zinc Plate

Do you like drawing? Lithography and drawing have historically had a close kindship. This materials-based printing process involves hand-drawn and or hand-painted imagery. The drawing is then chemically affixed (etched) onto a flat stone or metal plate before printing an edition (multiple copies). This three-week course is designed for both beginner and advanced artist and will explore the fundamentals of black and white lithographic printing. 

Concepts and techniques covered during this class include the application of litho-crayons and washes to press usage and editioning. Demonstrations and group discussions will help to reinforce proper techniques, while one-on-one instruction and feedback with the instructor will help students achieve self-expression. At the conclusion of this course, students will be encouraged to present and discuss each other’s work.       

The class meets once a week for three consecutive weeks.

Classes Breakdown

Class 1: 

• Intro to Materials and process
• Safety demo
• Plate prep 
• Deoxidize plate
• Demo transferring image to plate
• Demo drawing on plate
• Homework: Research, concept and development

Class 2: 

• Demo 1st etching of plate
• Students finish drawing on plate
• Students etch image onto plate
• Homework: Students consider an edition of prints

Class 3:

• Demo 2nd etching of plate.
• Demo inking.
• Demo printing with press.
• Students complete 2nd etch.
• Students begin printing.
• Students print Final edition. 
• Pin up work – talk about it.

About the instructor:

Originally from Pensacola, Florida, Matthew Forehand has based his art career out of the city of Miami.  He began his art school studies at Pensacola State College where he received his Associate’s degree in  Visual Arts. Matthew continued his education at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking. During his time at  SAIC, he enrolled in Ox-Bow School of the Arts, an artist residency in Saugatuck, Michigan. He currently teaches visual arts at Miami Arts Charter School (MAC). His courses at MAC include Foundational Elements of Art, Material Based Art, and Printmaking. He’s the current Printmaking resident at Oolite Arts.