A series of Sunday afternoon printmaking workshops for beginners, led by artists Sarah Humby and Jayne Soakell.
During each workshop, Sarah and Jayne will guide you through simple and accessible printmaking techniques, using small portable presses and non press methods, to make beautiful colourful prints based on the theme of the month. Each workshop will be different and can be experienced as a one-off, fun learning experience or as a series of workshops to help build a solid knowledge of basic printmaking.
The workshops take place from 1pm - 4pm, in our 2nd floor activity room (only accessible via stairs).
March 9th: 'WILDLIFE'
Method: Stencils, Direct Transfer Printing, Folded Books
In this workshop, we will create folded concertina artworks using the most basic printmaking techniques of direct transfer and layering stencils, using a ‘wildlife’ them as a starting point for inspiration. This technique does not require a press and can be used as part of an existing mixed media practice or as an additional technique alongside other printmaking methods. This is also a perfect introduction to printmaking for beginners. We will demonstrate the way we use a combination of stencils and direct transfer (drawing on the reverse side of paper laid on a thin layer of ink, like a carbon copy) on a long piece of cartridge paper. At the end of the session, we will review the work and demonstrate how to cleanly fold and concertina the paper into a neat ‘book’. This is an exciting and creative way to create beautiful artwork.
April 13th: 'SPRING!'
Method: Monoprint & Colour
During this workshop, we will look at ways of using colour through the simple printmaking technique of monoprint. Using the motifs of Spring as our theme (think daffodils, snowdrops, Easter Bunnies, lambs, etc.), we will demonstrate this printmaking technique by using stencils and mark making on an inked up ‘plate’ which we will pass through a press, multiple times, creating layers, to build up exciting and experimental prints. Students will then create their own series of prints using the technique. We will use small portable presses and will provide plenty of pictorial inspiration and reference images for students to work from, although participants are very welcome to bring their own reference images to use as a starting point. Each student will leave the workshop with the prints they have made.
May 11th: 'PLANT LIFE'
Method: Stencils, Direct Transfer Printing, Folded Books
In this workshop we will create folded concertina artworks, using the most basic printmaking techniques of direct transfer and layering stencils, with the theme of ‘plant life’ as a starting point for inspiration. This technique does not require a press and can be used as part of an existing mixed media practice or as an additional technique alongside other printmaking methods. This is also a perfect introduction to printmaking for beginners. We will demonstrate the way we use a combination of stencils and direct transfer (drawing on the reverse side of paper laid on a thin layer of ink, like a carbon copy) on a long piece of cartridge paper. At the end of the session, we will review the work and demonstrate how to cleanly fold and concertina the paper into a neat ‘book’. An exciting and creative way to create beautiful artwork.
June 8th: 'BIRDS & BEES'
Method: Tetra Pak Printmaking
Using the theme of Birds and Bees (other insects are welcome!) as our theme for this workshop, we will look at examples of prints that have been made using tetra pak and cardboard from household packaging. You will learn how to make a simple printing template working from a range of photographic references. We will then demonstrate the printmaking process with our templates using oil based printmaking inks. Students will then use their templates to print off an edition of their own prints using small portable presses. We will experiment with using coloured papers/tissue paper to introduce further colour possibilities. During the workshop you will 'pull' between 6 - 12 prints and at the end of the session we will review the work and discuss what we have learned. Each student will leave the workshop with the prints they have made.
July 13th: 'THE GARDENS'
Method: Simple Block Printing & Monoprinting
During this workshop, we will look at ways of using a combination of simple block printing and monoprinting to create beautiful prints based on the Red House gardens. Weather permitting, we will spend some time in the beautiful museum gardens, taking photos on our phones to use as inspiration back in the workroom. There, we will demonstrate some simple block printing and monotype methods, using stencils and mark making on an inked up ‘plate’ which we will pass through a press, to build up exciting and experimental prints. Students will then create their own series of prints. Each student will leave the workshop with the prints they have made.
September 14th: 'STILL LIFE'
Method: Stencils, Direct Transfer Printing, Folded Books
In this workshop, we will create folded concertina artworks using the most basic printmaking techniques of direct transfer and layering stencils, using a simple still life set up as a starting point for inspiration. This technique does not require a press and can be used as part of an existing mixed media practice or as an additional technique alongside other printmaking methods. This is also a perfect introduction to printmaking for beginners. We will demonstrate the way we use a combination of stencils and direct transfer (drawing on the reverse side of paper laid on a thin layer of ink - like a carbon copy) on a long piece of cartridge paper. At the end of the session we will review the work and demonstrate how to cleanly fold and concertina the paper into a neat ‘book’. An exciting and creative way to create beautiful artwork.
October 12th: 'CREEPY CRAWLIES'
Method: Tetra Pak Printmaking
Using the theme of Halloween creepy crawlies for this workshop, we will look at examples of prints that have been made using tetra pak and cardboard from household packaging. You will learn how to make a simple printing template working from a range of photographic references. We will then demonstrate the printmaking process with our templates using oil based printmaking inks. Students will then use their templates to print off an edition of their own prints using small portable presses. We will experiment with using coloured papers/tissue paper to introduce further colour possibilities. During the workshop you will 'pull' between 6 - 12 prints and at the end of the session we will review the work and discuss what we have learned. Each student will leave the workshop with the prints they have made.
November 9th: 'AUTUMN COLOUR'
Method: Monoprint & Colour
During this workshop, we will look at ways of using colour through the simple printmaking technique of monoprint. Using the motifs of Autumn (think falling leaves, frosty mornings and berries, etc.) as our theme, we will demonstrate this printmaking technique, by using stencils and mark making on an inked up ‘plate’ which we will pass through a press, multiple times, creating layers, to build up exciting and experimental prints. Students will then create their own series of prints using the technique. We will use small portable presses and will provide plenty of pictorial inspiration and reference images for students to work from, although participants are very welcome to bring their own reference images to use as a starting point. Each student will leave the workshop with the prints they have made.
December 14th: 'CHRISTMAS PRINTMAKING FUN'
Method: Stamp Printmaking
Join Jayne Soakell and Sarah Humby at Printmaking for Beginners, and treat yourself to a creative and fun afternoon of Christmas themed stamp printmaking, making and decorating cards, wrapping paper, gift tags, bunting, garlands, tree decorations and anything else Christmassy that takes your fancy! This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and upwards, and all materials are provided. Includes Christmas refreshment.