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For those with some experience of printmaking who want to develop their skills and ideas. The course suits a range of abilities, including adventurous beginners.
- Mixed-ability adult learners who have had some previous printmaking experience.
- Printmakers who want to use an etching-press will be able to make use of the facilities independently, after induction.
- Students who are preparing a portfolio of work, including Access and Pre-foundation Students.
- Painters, photographers, sculptors, designers, illustrators, architects and visual artists who wish to experiment with printmaking and develop ideas and new approaches to making personal work through the medium of print.
- Those who wish to extend their printmaking practice
This course is not suitable for those with little or no art experience - Printmaking Techniques and Projects is more suited for complete beginners....
Students will be inducted in the use of the studio and its print equipment and facilities. Processes will be demonstrated and students will be able to explore techniques to their own work and projects. Because of the numerous different techniques available in printmaking, it will not be possible to cover in depth all the possible techniques therefore the tutor will vary the focus of the demonstrations each term and tailor the course to suit the group.
A selection of the following processes will be demonstrated each term. All processes will be covered in a 3 term year:
- Monoprinting
- Drypoint printing
- Block Printing
- Relief Printing (linocutting)
- Working with stencils
- Collography
- Carborundum printing
- Multiple plate printing
- Working with textures
- Transperent colour
- Printing by hand
- Layered printing
- Chine colle
- Mixed media printing
Experienced printmakers may bring previously prepared plates in to print by negotiation.
Week 1 will introduce you to the Mary Ward Centre, the printmaking facilities and the course content, where you can discuss questions about your printmaking ideas or experience. You will need to bring some of your previous work (this need not be printmaking work) so that the tutor may be able to tailor the programme to suit your needs. After the induction, you will be given some instruction in the use of the equipment in print production. Processes and techniques will be demonstrated which you can then freely apply to your own ideas within one of the print methods instructed.
Over the following weeks, demonstrations in a variety of secondary and complementary techniques will enable you to take an experimental mixed media approach. You will be encouraged to explore the creative and conceptual possibilities of mixing print media, and a range of exploratory colour approaches.
By the end of the course you should be able to:
- Experiment with a range of methods, develop creative approaches to producing print work.
- Create print work as a response to ideas or themes, considering aesthetic aspects.
- Work in a safe and effective way with tools, equipment, and store work considerately.
In addition you will be shown how to:
Register and edition prints using the press and hand-printing.
Appropriately use/combine various print methods.
Apply an experimental approach and develop personal techniques.
Use various inks and extenders appropriately.
Specific areas will be made available for each student, and you will need to use the print equipment provided for you throughout the session, to avoid sharing and cross contamination. You are most welcome to bring your own rollers and knives if you have them. The learning atmosphere will be one of self-directed exploration and development with the encouragement of a practising artist and printmaker, and other class members. Help and ideas will be given regularly to enable development and further creative production.
For each method of print, the tutor will demonstrate and then you will be able to apply the methods to your work. Suggestions will be given for improvements and alternatives. Demonstrations with hand outs will be given on a regular basis for additional and complementary methods.
You will be able to apply all the methods demonstrated to your work or alternatively use one preferred methods to make work, through negotiation with the tutor.
You will be shown and expected to apply safe printmaking processes. Safe practice will include the use of water soluble inks and non-solvent based systems, and correct use of all tools and equipment.
You will be able to plan, make and print your work using a variety of methods. You will be encouraged to look at the work and techniques of the others in the group and will be invited to discuss and share discoveries with the rest of the class. During the class, techniques and innovation will be highlighted and there will be impromptu discussions about the work within the group, in this way, disseminating knowledge and inspiring each other. The tutor will be assessing your work and providing feedback throughout.
You will be able to create a portfolio of work for your own cataloguing and sense of achievement throughout the course.
You will be advised to keep and bring a sketch book or ideas book, and soft pencil each week. You will be encouraged to look at print examples and visit exhibitions throughout the term.
It is a good idea to arrive at the first session with a working sketchbook or project idea for starting to make print work, however themes for project development will be given to you if necessary.
General shared tools and equipment are provided in class, however many students find they can make best use of the time in class if they are able to work at home and you may benefit from having you own set of tools for lino cutting for example. To get the most out of the course, you may need to prepare sketches, drawings, photographs or colour plans or printing blocks / plates in advance.
A variety of different papers, inks, and colours will be available. Some materials are provided free of charge and others are sold at cost price. More specialist paper from about 20p per A3 sheet, which is charged weekly at cost. You are asked to please bring change. Paper costs will be dependent on personal choice, size and number of prints attempted. Paper prices are variable, and can range up to £3.50 per sheet.
As this course is developmental by nature, next steps will be varied. You may like to consider the following options:
- Exploring and developing techniques further by re-enrolling on the same course.
- Furthering your professional development options including exhibiting and selling.
- Setting up a print workshop at home.
- This course can be repeated to develop different techniques or extend existing ones
There are detailed information in Reception about all our courses at the Mary Ward Centre.
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.