Woodblock and lino printmaking workshop

What is the course about?

This beginners course introduces you to single and multi colour relief printmaking, aiming to inform you with enough knowledge from which to develop your own style.
Developing a theme/s for cutting a design into the surface of a block of wood or a piece of lino. Utilising simple block-cutting methods such as ‘white line cut’ to produce areas of rich blacks contrasted with cut lines and textures for tonal effect. You will be encouraged to investigate ways of inking and printing your block including colour inking and multi block printing.

What will we cover?

We will look at how to place your image on to the block. We will discuss inks and papers suitable for printing relief blocks. You will cut, etch and develop imagery on a block via proofing as part of the process and explore printing by press and by hand burnishing as a way to reveal nuances of line and tonality. We will reference woodcut prints and linocut prints, from various artists working in these media, past and present.

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

- Prepare a design from source imagery for transfer to a woodblock
- Prepare a design for transfer to lino
- Identify the basic tools used for cutting relief blocks
- Cut a design that utilises line and tone for relief printing
- Prepare ink for relief printing
- Print a wood/lino block by hand burnishing
- Use a relief press to print a wood/lino block.

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

Beginners to intermediate learners.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

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

A mixture of: demonstration of methods and techniques, visual aids, practical exercises and one to one discussion.

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

Please bring to class your source material (sketches, postcard, magazine/newspaper cuttings etc.) to refer to and for visual inspiration to generate artwork for your project work. You may wish to get some Japanese handmade paper for your printing during the course, to be advised by the tutor during class.

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

Other courses in printmaking run throughout the year and you are encouraged to build on your experience and skills by joining one of these courses or you may wish to broaden your knowledge in related areas, E.g. drawing courses at City Lit. Your tutor can advise your next move.