Wednesday Morning Printmaking: Collagraph with Carborundum

About this course

Participants make collagraph blocks, plates and prints, focusing on carborundum to create painterly images. The course also introduces opportunities to combine the process with techniques such as drypoint, while exploring different approaches to detailed, simple and larger-scale work. Teaching combines demonstrations, presentations, group discussions, critiques and project work with one-to-one technical and critical advice. Learners use the studio equipment required for printmaking and receive guidance tailored to their needs, including safe workshop practice and decisions about technique.

What you'll learn

• Construct collagraph plates using carborundum and a range of approaches
• Produce painterly prints from carborundum-based plates
• Experiment with combining collagraph and drypoint processes
• Use printmaking equipment and the workshop safely
• Apply critical decision-making through group critiques and discussions of printmaking work

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for beginners as well as learners with intermediate or advanced printmaking experience. No previous printmaking experience is necessary, although an interest in or experience of drawing or design may be useful. Learners work in a mixed-level group, with both shared activities and individual guidance.

• Suitable for learners developing their own choice of printmaking technique
• Some presses and processes require physical strength; assistance is available if needed
• Health and safety procedures must be followed, including signing an agreement to comply with them

Before you go

• Learners may need pencils and pens, small brushes, a sketchbook or notebook, and a portfolio for taking work home.
• Most basic studio consumables, including inks and solvents, are included. Learners must pay separately for paper, etching plates, lino blocks and other materials available from the department at cost price; payment for materials must be made in cash.
• Some chemicals used may be harmful during pregnancy. Pregnant learners should inform the tutor for advice about precautions.
• The print studio is not currently wheelchair accessible and is on the second and third floors. Learners with mobility issues should contact the department before enrolling.
• Some processes require physical strength, and the tutor can assist where necessary.