BRUTALIST ZINC PLATE ETCHING

with Chin-Jie Melodie Liu

3pm - 5pm | Friday 21 August 2026 | National Gallery of Australia (optional)
10am - 4pm | Saturday 22 + Sunday 23 August at Megalo Print Studio

Aquatint is a type of intaglio printmaking where tones are acid etched into the surface of a metal plate. A layer of powdered rosin is dusted and adhered to the plate surface with heat, creating grains for tonal variation that will hold ink for printing. Each shade is produced through layered exposures to the acid. Ink is pushed into the grooves using tarlatan cloth then the surface of the plate is wiped clean with tissue. Dampened paper is laid onto the plate and run through a press at high pressure. The ink is transferred to the paper leaving a positive image.

In this aquatint workshop, local artist Chin-Jie Melodie Liu will introduce the techniques used to produce tonal ranges in zinc plate etchings through the theme of Brutalist architecture in Kamberri/Canberra. You will be guided through the process of creating linear etchings before learning how to apply powdered rosin. Four layers of tone will be produced through the chemical process of etching in nitric acid. You will then ink and print the final plates through a printing press.  

This is a two-day workshop with an optional half-day drawing session, the day prior (weather permitting).

About the tutor:

Chin-Jie Melodie Liu is an interdisciplinary artist based in Kamberri/Canberra. Her practice is informed by her Taiwanese heritage and focuses on contested histories and collective memory. She works across printmaking, drawing, and photography, and is interested in varying forms of creative collaboration.

Suitability: No prior experience is necessary.
Materials: Participants will receive all materials including high-quality printing paper and pre-prepared zinc etching plates

COST
- Non-members $490 (includes 12-month membership)
- Non-members Concession $470 (includes 12-month membership)
- Current members $420

Please read our terms + conditions before booking