Wednesday Afternoon Printmaking: Woodcut - Hand Printing

When & Where

19 April 2023 - 24 May 2023 ( 16.5 hours, 6 weeks )
Afternoon, Wednesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Brian McKenzie
Course Code W22PTGE03J
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This course will introduce students to cutting and hand printing wood blocks. Working on a large scale if you wish, you’ll develop skills and understanding on using crude wooden block materials to make strong dynamic prints. Experiment with image style and different printing papers. Hone your cutting skills and learn how to print without a press. Beginners, intermediate and advanced students work and learn together in a friendly, vibrant, well equipped studio environment. Students are welcome to pursue their own printmaking projects assisted by the tutor whose aim is to help everyone gain deeper understanding, greater confidence and full outlet for their creative vision in a wide range of wonderful printmaking processes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

cut and hand print using wood as a printing block
develop a personal visual language 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

Full fee

£170

Concession fee

£130

Class format and activities

Students will be making 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

This session does not include lithography. Health & Safety information will be given at the start of the course and subsequent lessons where necessary. You may 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 a modicum of physical strength; if you are struggling the tutor will assist. Some people find drypoint difficult if they have low wrist/hand strength. 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 you need

Please bring pencils, a variety of paintbrushes, a sketchbook or notebook and a portfolio. Protective clothing is provided or you can bring your own apron and gloves. 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 at cost price. Further requirements will be discussed at the first and subsequent classes.

What you can do next

There is the opportunity to continue with other follow-on Wednesday classes exploring other topics, or any other class on different days in the department to advance skills in the following academic year. There are also various short courses, which generally focus on single techniques. Please talk to your tutor for more advice on what to do next.

Wednesday Afternoon Printmaking: Woodcut – Hand Printing