Gel plate printing: personal projects

About this course

Participants develop personal projects using gel plate printing, combining drawing, mark-making, stencils, colour layering and registration to produce multi-layered images. The course also explores transferring a digital image onto paper, using varied textures and materials, and considering paper choices for small prints. Teaching combines technique demonstrations with practical tasks, tutor and peer feedback, and reflection on developing work. Participants use water-based ink to create illustrative monoprints and investigate how printmaking can support individual visual ideas.

What you'll learn

• Apply drawing and mark-making techniques in gel plate printing
• Use stencils, varied textures and materials to build layered images
• Register and print multi-colour images
• Transfer a digital image onto paper
• Select paper for different printmaking approaches
• Create small water-based ink monoprints for illustrative projects

Is this course right for you?

This improver-level course is intended for learners with some experience of gel plate printing who want to develop personal projects. It includes demonstrations, practical tasks, group discussions, and tutor and peer feedback, with English-language competency needed to follow instructions and health and safety information.

• Previous gel plate printing experience is expected
• Learners work on personal projects rather than an introductory course
• Participation includes group discussions and feedback on work

Before you go

• Basic materials and resources are available as part of the course.
• A 5 x 7 inch gel plate and water-based inks are provided.
• Learners should bring an A5 or A4 sketchbook and an A3 folder for transporting work.
• Foliage, materials, fabrics or digital images may be brought for use in personal projects.
• Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn when working with inks.