Wednesday Morning Printmaking: Collagraph- Out of Darkness

When & Where

13 September 2023 - 18 October 2023 ( 16.5 hours, 6 weeks )
Morning, Wednesday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Brian McKenzie
Course Code W23PTGE05A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This course focusses on making dark and moody prints where the artist can wrest a high level of control over their imagery. Discover, develop and adapt skills using a specialized collagraph technique. Learn how to use and control textural materials that hold or resist ink to make complex printing plates that mimic the beautiful inky richness and varied tonality of mezzotint work. 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. Students are also welcome to pursue their own printmaking projects 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 in a wide range of exciting printmaking processes.

Learning Outcomes

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

make emery paper based collagraph plates and prints
develop your own print project, 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

Full fee

£180

Concession fee

£135

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 at cost price. Further requirements will be discussed at the first and subsequent classes.

What you can do next

There are courses following on for the remaining half or full term dealing with other printmaking processes. You can enrol on any of the subsequent courses on any day. There are also various short courses, which generally focus on single techniques. Please talk to your tutor for more advice about their programme and on what to do next.