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General Description

Masters of Line is a unique opportunity to learn the theory and practice of copper plate etching under the guidance of FAA Founder Daniel Graves. With over 50 years of experience as a renowned painter-etcher, Graves provides invaluable insight into this intricate art form. While ideal for beginners, this course offers substantial value to those with prior etching education, covering both fundamental techniques and advanced processes involved in creating high quality works. Students receive both individual and group critiques, with weekly group evaluations and a final critique of the work completed at the end of the course. 

The course is studio-based, with additional Art History and Technical lectures, field drawing, material lectures, studio demonstrations, and intensive hands-on monitored studio/lab work. Students are introduced to all aspects of Line Etching and finish the program with at least three of their own completed copper plates and the technical skills to create more in the future. 

Students study Master Etchers of the past, and in the studio prepare the ground on copper plates, select and create an appropriate image to transfer to the plate, and learn the process of biting, proof-printing, and plate correction to produce their own final prints. 

Emphasis is given on the selection and creation of the image to be transferred to the copper plate, with instruction given on what types of drawings to create and the expectation to draw the images to be transferred from life. Students in this course have the opportunity to create drawings “in the field” around Florence, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and to be given support in selecting appropriate locations for the drawings. If a student would like to work on creating an etching of a previously made drawing, the student may discuss it with an instructor at the beginning of the course. 

The Etching Workshop takes place in the Florence Academy of Art’s brand new etching studio, complete with four state of the art printing presses, in the heart of FAA Florence’s beautiful and vibrant main school campus. 

At the end of the course students will receive an extended list of etchers to study and a book list of references to further investigate the medium of etching on their own. 

Maximum enrollment 12 students.

Additional Info

PREREQUISITES & APPLICATION

This course is open to applicants with prior knowledge and skills in drawing. The workshop is suitable for beginner, intermediate and advanced etchers.

WEEKLY INSTRUCTION & LAB TIMES

During the first week, students receive full instruction from the Principal Instructor. From the second week onward, full instruction continues in the morning sessions, including lectures, demonstrations, and critiques– the afternoon sessions are dedicated to studio lab time. During lab time students continue to work in the studio supervised by the course’s teaching assistant and/or Principal Instructor.

Medium & Materials

Copper Plate Etching

Students receive a list of materials required for the workshop in their acceptance email. 

FAA provides all lab materials needed during the workshop. Etching tools and other individual materials are not included in the tuition fee and may be purchased in advance and at a discounted rate directly from the Florentine art supply store, Zecchi. Students will find their supplies waiting for them in their studio upon arrival in Florence.

Estimated cost of materials: EUR 200

Caution: Certain materials used in the etching course may present health hazards. Students will be provided with guidance on safety procedures by their instructors and will be required to sign the “Appropriate Use of Materials and Safety” form prior to commencing the workshop, ensuring proper handling and safety measures.

What’s Included

  • Instruction in English
  • Guided Art History tour of the Uffizi Gallery
  • Welcome Party in the gardens of the Budini Gattai Palace in Florence on the first Thursday of the workshop, to meet fellow students and faculty
  • Summer Faculty Exhibition to view the latest work by FAA faculty
  • Access to the on-campus FAA Café where students may purchase breakfast, lunch and enjoy an afternoon aperitivo
  • Extended Access to the studios and school facilities after class until 9 pm, excluding the printing lab which is only accessible during class hours
  • Discounted art supplies
  • List of housing recommendations

Faculty

This course was designed by FAA’s Founder, Daniel Graves in 2023, a renowned painter and master etcher, and is taught by FAA Principal Instructor, Matteo Taverna who has trained extensively under Daniel Graves, ensuring expert guidance throughout the learning process.

Matteo Taverna
Matteo Taverna is an Italian artist based in Florence. Born in Voghera, Italy, Matteo spent his childhood in the small town of Valenza Po, characterized by its proximity to nature. He began his artistic education aged 14 at the Liceo Artistico Carrà in Valenza where he gained a foundation in drawing and the humanities. Matteo went on to train at The Florence Academy of Art, learning the traditional methods of drawing and painting in order to work realistically. He completed the Painting Program in 2019. Matteo is deeply interested in nature and the humanities and attempts to connect his work to what he defines as humanity, from feelings to archetypes, from emotions to stories. He is also fascinated by the materials and alchemy of painting, and spends time researching new formulas and techniques in drawing and painting to apply to his work. At present, Matteo is a Principal Instructor in the Intensive Drawing Program at The Florence Academy of Art.

Location

ADDRESS: Via Aretina 293, Florence, Italy

* If the workshop or session is fully booked you may apply to be placed on our waitlist. Should we have a cancellation or a place becomes available, we will contact you.