The course will centre around Drypoint printmaking – a beautiful ‘intaglio’ process closely associated with etching but with no need for acid! It has the potential of creating lovely contrasts within a piece of work and as Barga has glorious narrow roads and interesting corners everywhere, with light and shadow, it gives one loads of opportunities to highlight these in the work.

Now, from The Master Printmaker, we are delighted to offer THE Drypoint Masterclass. Michael Waight has not only printed his own work but also work for many famous artists. He now joins us for a trio of activities.....a residency in Barga, an exhibition in the Quattro Archi gallery in summer 2026 and....THE Drypoint Matserclass. Drawing on many years of hands on printmaking in the print room at Peacock Printmakers, Michael will guide beginners and experienced alike through the drypoint process providing the basics, advanced techniques and insider's top tips. The class taking place at Quatro Archi in Barga, Italy will centre around Drypoint printmaking – a beautiful ‘intaglio’ process closely associated with etching but with no need for acid! It has the potential of creating lovely contrasts within a piece of work and as Barga has glorious narrow roads and interesting corners everywhere, with light and shadow, it gives one loads of opportunities to highlight these in the work. Initially a small Perspex plate can be ‘played with’ – maybe gridded up to try out various tools at hand and what marks these may give you. Time will be available to explore in Barga through sketching and photos what you might want to develop further. As Drypoint is quite often seen as a black and white process, we will give time to challenge this by ‘playing’ with various coloured dyes on thin paper that can then be cut or torn and used for ‘chine colle’, while inking up ‘A la poupee’ prior to running these through the press.

Join us for an immersive 6-day retreat in the heart of Tuscany. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in Drypoint printmaking using acrylic sheetwhile surrounded by the inspiring beauty of medieval Barga.