Introduction to printmaking
- Course Code: VS048
- Dates: 30/04/24 - 28/05/24
- Time: 10:00 - 13:00
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Simon Burder
Course Code: VS048
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
We will focus on introducing different printmaking techniques. By trying these, hands on, you will gain a broad practical overview of how prints are made and have experience of processes you may wish to develop further.
What will we cover?
During the course we will try out different basic printmaking techniques;
• Monoprinting
• Relief / linocut
• Intaglio / etching.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Make prints in the following ways:
• Make a mono-print
• Cut and print a lino block
• Etch on metal and print the resulting plate
• Use the presses and related equipment and materials safely.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for anyone who would like to gain an insight into the various printmaking techniques we cover on longer courses in short, practical, ‘have a go’ sessions. Basic drawing skills would be an advantage. 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.
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.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The course fee covers some basic materials such as inks, acids and white spirit. Please bring rags for cleaning (optional). Please bring sketches, photographs or other visual resources as a starting point to the first session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You could go on to study the subject more in depth on full or part-time courses, or may be encouraged to strengthen your skills in other areas, particularly in drawing, via many courses at City Lit. Your tutor will discuss various options that will be appropriate for you at the end of the course.
Simon teaches printmaking and drawing at City Lit, with an interest in observational and technical skills. He studied Fine Art at Exeter College of Art and lithography at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris and has been teaching printmaking, drawing and his specialism of lithography for many years at art schools, adult education colleges and independent community print workshops, including Oaks Editions Lithography Studio, his studio at Oaks Park near Carshalton. His prints have been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Bankside Gallery, London, and the International Lithography Symposium, Tidaholm, Sweden, and are in the collections of the British Library, Cambridge University Library and Aberystwyth University, amongst others. He has also contributed to 'Printmaking Today' magazine, written two chapters on landscape and abstraction in 'Drawing and Painting - Materials and Techniques for Contemporary Artists', Thames and Hudson, 2015, and translated the English edition of 'Kitchen Litho', Atelier Kitchen Print, France, 2016.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.