This course focusses on the wonderfully adaptable collagraph process. Learn the basics of making strong, highly depictive, detailed or simple collagraph plates and prints. As the course continues you’ll experiment and discover the amazing possibilities collagraph allows, using glues, carborundum, textured and found materials, emery paper, gesso, wire, string and much more. Incorporate other processes like drypoint, chine colle, viscosity and relief printing. Collagraph opens the way to work on a large scale and work inexpensively if that’s you wish. Create amazing complex and colourful work as you learn how to make and print high quality plates using a vast range of materials and approaches. This course is suitable for all levels of experience and expertise in printmaking and artistic creation. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students work and learn together in a friendly, vibrant, well equipped studio environment, assisted by the tutor, whose aim is to help everyone gain deeper understanding and greater confidence and find a wonderful outlet for their creative vision.
Wednesday Afternoon Printmaking: Collagraph in Depth
When & Where
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17 September 2025 - 3 December 2025 ( 27.5 hours, 11 weeks )
- Afternoon, Wednesday
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View course timetable
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Waterloo Centre
Quick Facts
- Availability Yes
- Tutor Brian McKenzie
- Course Code W25PTGE07A
- Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course
What you will learn
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Develop a deep understanding of the collagraph process
- Broaden printmaking skills and strengthen critical decision making
- Use the printmaking equipment and workshop safely
- Engage in group crits, projects, demonstrations and discussions around technique and other students work
Cost
Class format and activities
Students will make blocks, plates and prints and use the studio equipment needed to do this. 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 some demonstrations, presentations and lead group discussions.
Entry requirements
No previous experience of printmaking is necessary, but an interest or experience of drawing or design is useful. You may have some previous experience and want to develop and practice your own choice of technique as a printmaker.
What you need to know before you enrol
The teaching does not include lithography. 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 procedures as advised. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant and they will advise you as to necessary precautions. Some of the presses and processes require physical strength; the tutor will assist if you need help. 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. Payment for materials must be made using cash.
What you need
You could well need pencils and pens, a variety of small brushes, a sketchbook or notebook and a portfolio to take work home in. The course fee includes most studio consumables (basic inks, solvents etc) but you will have to pay for paper, etching plates, lino blocks etc. These are available to buy in the department. Further requirements will be discussed at the first and subsequent classes.
