Contemporary printmaking studio: focus on courage to play

What is the course about?

This is one of our longer printmaking courses, designed to give you time to develop a sustained working practice, and develop practical research strategies. You will learn or develop a range of printmaking skills, and gain experience in using the printmaking studio and associated tools and materials safely and effectively. You will also be shown how to reflect on your progress, and how to persist if progress seems slow.
Play will be encouraged and seen as a tool for discovery. Responding playfully often leads to unforeseen results. We will reflect on how ideas and meaning emerge through the medium of print and how the ‘happy accident’ can inform new directions, new ways to progress your work.

What will we cover?

If you are new to printmaking, you will be shown a range of techniques such as:
- etching,
- dry-point,
-monoprint/type,
- chine collé,
- wood and lino cut, and
- collograph (handmade plates from every-day materials)
taking a step by step approach to these methods you will gain the confidence to work independently and improve.
More experienced learners will be encouraged to continue with their experiments in self-directed projects. There will be the option for photo polymer print and multi-plate and viscosity printing.
Throughout the course there will be an emphasis on the importance of composition.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

For beginners:
- etch on metal using a variety of processes.
- prepare and use wood/lino and card as printing blocks for relief and intaglio
- prepare and select paper for printing
- print blocks and plates to good standards in monochrome and colour.

For more experienced learners:
- explore personal imagery through various printmaking processes, including the mixing of colours.
- develop the content of your work further.
For all levels:
-be alert to the potential of a playful response, having developed a habit of reflection, of challenging yourself and the confidence to persist.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is suitable for all levels of ability.

You should be able to follow verbal and written instructions in English for both health and safety purposes and to enable you to follow printmaking procedures. You should be able to take short written notes for your own use and occasionally make simple measurements using a ruler. Basic drawing skills would be an advantage.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstrations and personal application of different aspects of the media will be offered as you advance in knowledge and competence. Beginners will make test plates of all the procedures as a prelude to developing their own ideas and imagery.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course fee covers basic materials such as inks, a standard quality paper and general communal workshop sundries. A limited amount of zinc etching plate can be purchased at cost in the class. Please bring sketches, photographs or other visual resources as a starting point to the first session.
Need art supplies? Our partner London Graphic Centre has everything you need from pencil to printing services, at 15% off.

To get 15% LGC discount, students will need to show proof/ confirmation of enrolment of them being a student at City Lit. You can apply in-store or by simply emailing info@londongraphics.co.uk with a scan or photo of relevant confirmation. The student discount does not apply to products that are already discounted or on offer. More information can be found here- https://www.londongraphics.co.uk/student-discounts/.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

The Printmaking studio: all levels courses run each term, so you may wish to repeat this multi- level course several times in order to develop your practice or perhaps focus on one technique or process. We offer an advanced one year printmaking course (VS986) that learners may wish to apply for after building a portfolio in this course. Alternatively, we offer other specialist short courses for example screen printing.