{"id":147222,"date":"2025-07-30T13:59:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T11:59:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unirufa.it\/?page_id=147222"},"modified":"2026-03-25T21:59:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T20:59:36","slug":"grafica-darte","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.unirufa.it\/en\/offerta-formativa\/corsi-brevi\/laboratorio-creativo\/grafica-darte\/","title":{"rendered":"Fundamentals of Printmaking"},"content":{"rendered":" <\/p>\n

What it is<\/h4>\n

Printmaking is an ancient practice, a space where marks meet matter\u2014where ink glides across paper like a thought taking shape. The two-dimensional image emerges from the manipulation of materials such as zinc, copper, wood, and others, shaped with the intent of producing reproducible images. It\u2019s a process of precision and progressive refinement in which gesture becomes central.
\nAt RUFA, we practice the art of time and patience, of the unexpected turning into beauty, of plates that tell different stories every time. Printmaking is both an ancient and modern language\u2014made of etchings, scratches, and reliefs. It\u2019s the fine line between craftsmanship and poetry, between process and vision. It works through the hands but is explored through the inner eye.<\/p>\n

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A Graphic Bestiary of Lines and Drawings<\/h4>\n

The Printmaking course introduces students to the fascinating world of alternative graphic techniques\u2014expressive practices that are less conventional than drawing and painting, yet equally rich and evocative. Through in-depth exploration of techniques such as woodcut, monotype, drypoint, and collagraphy, students will experiment with traditional processes through new visual languages, enhancing their creativity and broadening their expressive possibilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n\t GENERAL INFORMATION<\/strong>\t \t\n \n\t \t<\/span>\n\t <\/a>\n\t <\/h4>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n
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Course type:<\/strong> group \u2013 in person
\nParticipants:<\/strong> Max 15
\nSchedule:<\/strong> weekly, Saturdays from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
\nDuration:<\/strong> 10 lessons \u2013 total 40 hours
\nCost:<\/strong> \u20ac590.00 in a single payment or in two instalments of \u20ac300.00
\nMaterials:<\/strong> to be purchased by the student
\nRequirements\/supports:<\/strong> none
\nLanguage:<\/strong> Italian
\nInstructor:<\/strong> Davide Miceli
\nLocation:<\/strong> RUFA \u2013 Via Degli Ausoni, 7 \u2013 Rome, Printmaking Room, A01
\nRegistrations open:<\/strong> October 5, 2025
\nRegistration deadline:<\/strong> January 23, 2026<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n

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\n\t COURSE PROGRAMME<\/strong>\t \t\n \n\t \t<\/span>\n\t <\/a>\n\t <\/h4>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n
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The course focuses on practical and hands-on activities. The techniques offered are selected for their accessibility and ease of use, allowing students to continue their creative exploration independently, even outside the academic environment. Although no complex equipment is required, RUFA’s workshops will be available for the entire duration of the course, especially the Fine Art Printmaking Room at the former Pastificio Cerere.
\nThe natural world \u2013 particularly the animal realm \u2013 will be used as inspiration for graphic projects, due to its wealth of forms and colours, which are easily reinterpreted in a personal key. From the third lesson onward, students may develop an individual project based on their artistic inclinations, subject to the instructor\u2019s approval.<\/p>\n

Lesson 1 \u2013 Introduction to Art Printmaking<\/strong>
\nGuided tour of the workshop with an introduction to printmaking tools and machinery, along with a brief history of the medium. <\/p>\n

Lesson 1 \u2013 Introduction to Trace Monotype<\/strong>
\nThe first exercise involves using an inked acetate sheet rolled with a rubber roller, overlaid with a sheet of tissue paper. Students draw on the back of the paper using various tools, revealing the printed image at the end of the process.
\nThis activity explores indirect mark-making and the element of surprise typical of monotype printing.
\nAs homework, each student creates a drawing inspired by a marine species, focusing on its silhouette. This drawing will be used for the second exercise.<\/p>\n

Lesson 2 \u2013 Monotype with Etching Press<\/strong>
\nStudents are introduced to a monotype technique using selective ink removal from the matrix with rags, brushes and other tools.
\nDemonstration follows: setting the register, cutting paper, and using the press.
\nSecond exercise: starting from the sketches created in the previous lesson, students produce a cut-out silhouette on acetate, ink it with various colours, and print it on a single support. The exercise may be repeated to explore formal and chromatic variations, depending on time.
\nFor the next lesson, students are asked to bring two recycled tetrapak containers and to prepare new sketches inspired by the insect world.<\/p>\n

Lesson 3 \u2013 Collagraph Printing<\/strong>
\nThe lesson opens with a practical demonstration of collagraphy, a technique offering a wide range of textures and effects through varied materials and tools.
\nThird exercise: students work on their tetrapak plate, reinterpreting their insect-themed sketches. The inking and printing on the press are done with individual guidance.
\nFor the following session, students should prepare a new sketch inspired by an animal or plant of their choice.<\/p>\n

Lesson 4 \u2013 Introduction to Woodcut<\/strong>
\nThe session begins with a group review of the sketches and an introductory presentation on woodcut, including historical and visual references.
\nA practical demo follows on how to use gouges to create the matrix.
\nFourth exercise: students carve their wooden block based on their sketches and print manually on tissue paper using a wooden spoon.<\/p>\n

Lessons 5 and 6 \u2013 Drypoint<\/strong>
\nIntroduction to the drypoint technique with historical references and analysis of original plates. Students prepare their own plexiglass plate by filing and refining it with scraper and burnisher.
\nFifth and sixth exercises: students create paired portraits using plexiglass transparency. Taking turns as artist and model, they complete the drawing on the plate, proceed with engraving, and finally print on the press under supervision.<\/p>\n

Lessons 7, 8, 9, 10 \u2013 Final Project<\/strong>
\nThe last four lessons are dedicated to the final project, chosen from the following options:
\n\u2022 Collective Printed Bestiary<\/strong>
\nCreation of a collective artist\u2019s book using woodcut on tissue paper, bound manually with Japanese technique. The cover is printed on heavier paper using one or more intaglio techniques. At the end of the course, each participant receives a copy.
\n\u2022 Large Collective Prints<\/strong>
\nProduction of large-scale compositions inspired by the second lesson exercise but with increased compositional complexity. This project allows the introduction of the carborundum technique and the combination of several techniques in a single piece.
\n\u2022 Guided Individual Project<\/strong>
\nDevelopment of a personal project based on the techniques learned during the course. The project is outlined in an initial meeting with the instructor and guided through key phases with ongoing feedback and tutoring.<\/p>\n

MATERIALS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Materials provided by RUFA<\/strong>
\nWood or linoleum blocks for woodcut
\nTissue paper
\nWork gloves and disposable gloves
\nA4 acetate sheets
\n1 mm plexiglass plates<\/p>\n

Recommended materials for personal use (to be purchased by the student \u2013 remain their property)<\/strong>
\nWoodcut gouges
\nEngraving tools
\nPrinting paper sheets (at least 5 per student; Fabriano Unica 50×70 cm white paper is available at RUFA for \u20ac1.00 per sheet)<\/p>\n

Materials to bring from home<\/strong>
\nSketchbook or drawing paper (printer paper is also fine)
\nPens, pencils, and permanent markers of the student\u2019s choice
\nRecycled tetrapak
\nWooden kitchen spoon<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n

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\n\t SCHEDULE<\/strong>\t \t\n \n\t \t<\/span>\n\t <\/a>\n\t <\/h4>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n
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JANUARY<\/h5>\n

24\/01\/2026
\n31\/01\/2026<\/p>\n

FEBRUARY<\/h5>\n

07\/02\/2026
\n14\/02\/2026
\n21\/02\/2026
\n28\/02\/2026<\/p>\n

MARCH<\/h5>\n

07\/03\/2026
\n14\/03\/2026
\n21\/03\/2026
\n28\/03\/2026<\/p>\n

Make-up dates*<\/h5>\n

11\/04\/2026
\n18\/04\/2026<\/p>\n

*”Make-up sessions” refer to additional dates offered by RUFA in the event of cancellations due to the instructor, the Academy, or force majeure. Make-ups are not provided for student absences.<\/h6>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n
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\n\t INSTRUCTOR \u2013 DAVIDE MICELI<\/strong>\t \t\n \n\t \t<\/span>\n\t <\/a>\n\t <\/h4>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n
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A Roman artist active in sculpture and art printmaking, Miceli trained at RUFA, where he earned a degree in Sculpture (2023) and in Art Printmaking (2024). His artistic research moves fluidly across disciplines, with a path including solo and group exhibitions, artist residencies, and participation in prestigious competitions. He has collaborated as a technical specialist with internationally renowned artists, including Giuseppe Gallo and Adam McEwen.
\nAlongside his artistic production, he works in academia at RUFA, where he supports Davide Dormino in the Sculpture programme and Maria Pina and Gianna Bentivenga in Art Printmaking.
\nIn 2024, he led the *Roman Post-Cards* workshop on synthetic lithography for a class from the American Academy in Rome. With RUFA\u2019s Short Courses, he officially begins his teaching career.
\nHe works steadily with the Lorcan O\u2019Neill Gallery, curating exhibitions and installations by internationally acclaimed artists.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n\n

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\n\t FEE REDUCTIONS<\/strong>\t \t\n \n\t \t<\/span>\n\t <\/a>\n\t <\/h4>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n
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RUFA students and alumni:<\/strong> 50% discount
\nFormer Short Courses and RUFA Summer 2024\u201325 students:<\/strong> 10% discount
\nUniversity students:<\/strong> 5% discount (upon presenting a valid student ID)
\nCourse bundle\/group\/family packages:<\/strong> contact corsibrevi@unirufa.it<\/a> for personalised solutions <\/p>\n

All enrolled students, regardless of eligibility requirements, can benefit from early enrolment discounts:
\nVery Early Bird:<\/strong> entro il 31 ottobre 2025 \u2192 \u20ac501,50 (\u201315%)
\nEarly Bird:<\/strong> dal 1 novembre al 23 dicembre 2025 \u2192 \u20ac531,00 (\u201310%)<\/p>\n

All students with certification under Law 104\/92<\/strong> are entitled to a 20% discount<\/strong> on the registration fee, regardless of the chosen time slot. To apply, documentation must be submitted to the Registrar\u2019s Office at corsibrevi@unirufa.it<\/a>.
\nEnrolment in a short course entitles students, during the course month, to benefit from discounts at partner shops and eateries.<\/strong>
\nThese discounts apply to both creative materials and lunch breaks near the campuses.
\nEach year, the Short Courses Office will provide a list of partner businesses.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n \n

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For information about the course please fill in the form and we will contact you.<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t