Experimental Printmaking Evening

About this course

After an induction to the studio, press and other printmaking facilities, participants apply demonstrated methods to their own ideas and projects. The programme may include monoprinting, drypoint, relief and block printing, stencils, collagraphy, carborundum, multiple plates, chine collé, hand printing, layered printing and mixed media approaches.

What you'll learn

• Operate printmaking tools, presses and studio equipment safely and appropriately.
• Apply and combine print methods such as relief, drypoint, monoprinting and collagraphy.
• Register and edition prints using a press and hand-printing methods.
• Experiment with inks, extenders, textures, colour and layered processes.
• Develop print work from self-identified themes and discuss its aesthetic, contextual and possible meanings.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improver-level learners extending their printmaking practice, as well as artists from other disciplines exploring print as a way to develop personal work. Participants work on individual ideas while taking part in demonstrations, group discussion and tutor feedback. The level label suggests a course for learners developing beyond fundamental techniques, though previous experience is not explicitly required.

• Suitable for learners preparing a portfolio, including Access and Pre-foundation students.
• Participants may bring existing plates for printing by negotiation.
• A project idea is useful, but themes can be provided where needed.

Before you go

• Bring a sketchbook or ideas book and a soft pencil each week.
• Bring some previous work to the first session so the programme can be tailored to individual needs.
• Sketches, drawings, photographs, colour plans or printing blocks and plates may need to be prepared in advance.
• General tools and equipment are provided in class. Some learners may choose to have their own lino-cutting tools for work outside class.
• A selection of papers, inks and colours is available. Some materials are provided, while other papers and materials may be available at cost.