Japanese Woodcut: Advanced – Wednesday Morning

About this course

The course develops established mokuhanga practice through experiments with carving methods, colour separation and nuanced printing effects, including graduated colour (bokashi) and texture (gomazuri). Learners work from visual prompts such as drawings, photographs or textiles, while examining contemporary Japanese woodcut artists and other practitioners’ methods. Teaching combines presentations, demonstrations, individual guidance, peer discussion and group critiques. Participants evaluate their processes and outcomes, applying Japanese tools and techniques to more autonomous personal projects.

What you'll learn

• Analyse key concepts and processes in Japanese woodcut at an advanced level.
• Develop designs and colour separations from visual source material.
• Apply different Japanese woodcut carving methods and tool techniques safely.
• Produce graduated colour effects such as bokashi using watercolour and hand pressure.
• Evaluate experimental processes and outcomes using critical decision-making.
• Discuss technique, artists’ work and peer projects in group critiques.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for learners who have completed a Japanese woodcut beginners course and have a good working knowledge of mokuhanga processes. Participation involves autonomous work on personal projects, as well as sharing research and taking part in demonstrations, discussions and group critiques.

• Previous completion of a Japanese woodcut beginners course is required.
• Learners are expected to develop their own projects with increasing independence.
• The course includes peer discussion and critical evaluation of work.

Before you go

• Learners should bring a face covering, their own drawing materials, and images, ideas or a sketchbook for developing initial designs.
• Learners may bring their own woodcutting tools; other listed materials, including woodblocks, tools, paper, watercolours and printing materials, are provided.
• A face covering must be worn during the class.