Thursday Afternoon Printmaking: Mixed Techniques

Class format and activities

Teaching is both in groups and on an individual, one-to-one basis, with technical and critical advice depending on your needs. The tutor will give demonstrations, presentations and lead group discussions around technical and creative subjects. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Learning Outcomes

• 01: learn how to make plates using the etching techniques including hard and soft ground and apply an aquatint to generate tone
• 02: learn how to apply different techniques to create interesting marks and change the surface of the plate
• 03: learn how to print onto paper using a variety of techniques
• 04: develop skills, personal visual language and critical decision making
• 05: engage in group crits, projects, demonstrations and discussions around technique, artists work and your own and other students work
• 06: use the printmaking equipment and workshop safely

Course entry requirements

No previous experience of printmaking is necessary, but an interest in, or experience of drawing or design will be helpful. Or you may have some previous experience and wish to renew your knowledge of one or more printmaking techniques.

What you need to know before you enrol

Health and safety information will be given at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. You will be asked to sign a form declaring that you agree to follow H and S procedures as advised. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy, and some may cause irritation in very rare cases. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant or have any sensitivities and they will advise you as to necessary precautions Note: at present there is no wheelchair access to the print studio, and the studios are on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the building. If you have any mobility issues please contact the department prior to enrolling.

What to bring to class

Please bring and use your own tools, drawing equipment etc. For example a selection of paintbrushes and a sketchbook or notebook. It would be advisable to bring your own protective, clothing and rubber gloves. The course fee includes most studio consumables (ink, cleaning materials, solvents etc) but you will have to pay for paper, etching plates/ lino blocks etc. These are available to buy in the department at cost price. Further requirements will be discussed at the first and subsequent classes.

What you can do next

The continuation classes of Mixed Techniques printmaking on Thursdays, there are morning classes (10am-12. 30pm) and afternoon classes (1. 30pm-4pm) or you can enrol onto any of the subsequent Beginners Plus courses on Tuesday evenings (6pm-9pm), or there are All Levels courses on any day throughout the week during term times. There are also various short courses, which generally focus on single techniques. David Holah also runs an exciting Silkscreen printing class on Friday evenings 6-9pm. Please talk to your tutor for more advice on what to do next.