Course Description: Mezzotint is the oldest fully tonal printmaking technique, predating lithography by more than 150 years and photography by about 200 years. It has a reputation as one of the most difficult printmaking techniques—but it doesn’t have to be! Mezzotint guru, Robert De Groff, has worked in the medium for over 20 years and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that can make this medium accessible for even a novice printmaker. Along the way he will introduce participants to the history of the medium and dispel some myths about mezzotint. It remains, by far, the richest tonal printmaking technique, offering dense, velvety blacks, and a full range of soft, luscious tones in between. Robert has some tricks up his sleeve to accelerate this notoriously difficult medium so more time can be spent making your images and less time preparing your plates. Since mezzotint is done directly on copper plates without the use of acids, it is a medium that can be pursued in your own home without the use of toxic chemicals.
Biography: Robert De Groff is a native of Provo, Utah. He spent five years in Logan, Utah
and three years in Austin, Texas. He holds an MFA degree in Printmaking from the
University of Texas at Austin. He has “studied with big-name people who taught me
nothing and people you have never heard of who taught me lots.” Robert made his first
mezzotint over twenty years ago and his creative passion remains strong with this
sophisticated printmaking medium. Robert’s prints have been exhibited in Italy, Poland,
New Zealand, and throughout the United States, from Hawaii to Virginia. Robert lives
in Sanpete County, just outside of Spring City, Utah with his wife, five children,
and a few varmints.
