If you look through the large shop window into "Atelier Dirk Pradel", you will not only see numerous oil and acrylic paintings, etchings and watercolors by the Zittau artist, but there is also a hustle and bustle between the pictures and working materials. Two Year 9 pupils are preparing their first etching.

The etching technique has now become a rarity. The intaglio printing technique, which dates back to the 16th century, is not only technically demanding, but also requires the necessary technical equipment. Lines are carved into a varnished printing plate with an etching needle, which are then etched into the plate in an acid bath. After some post-processing, the ink can then be applied to the plate and removed again so that only the recessed lines in the printing roller release ink. This technique has been a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site since 2018.

Another user of the studio is working on a charcoal drawing, while Dirk Pradel is underpainting a new painting in the next room. Teaching design techniques has been a matter close to his heart for more than 25 years as a freelance artist and art teacher.

"An art teacher exhibits" is therefore also the title of his new exhibition. We are delighted to be able to show numerous works from different periods and art techniques. Dirk Pradel wants to show students and art enthusiasts the many different branches and possibilities of art.