Course Description

Monoprinting is a painterly way to use print to make one-off images. You will make initial studies in the Gardens and then experiment with combining drawings and monoprint to produce characterful and colourful prints.

This course is aimed at the draftsman in you that is interested in finding new ways of using drawing as a way of expression. During the course we will be taking inspiration from flowers (inside with still life) and outside (you will be looking, observing and drawing the exquisite flora in situ).

You will be taught observational drawing techniques looking at flora from close up and from a distance. Fluidity and confidence building will be at the core of the course. You will learn how to adapt and interpret your drawings using several monoprinting techniques.

Monochrome printing as well as colour printing will be encouraged. Monoprints, once printed, will be developed further with added drawing and some pastel work. All processes will be demonstrated in simple forms. This course is aimed at students who want to familiarise themselves with printing techniques where plates, inks, paper and presses are synchronised to give the most effective results.

You will be encouraged to take risks and you will learn from being in a group and sharing your new acquired knowledge. You will also be encouraged to develop your own style of work and to find your individual way to draw through monoprinting.

Textures derived from floral materials will be demonstrated. You will gain knowledge of operating a relief and an etching press, and hand burnished techniques will be demonstrated too.

Your tutor will encourage you to get the best out of the course, group discussions and one-to-one tutoring will take place during the two days.

At the end of the course you will have learned to express the draftsperson in you through several monoprinting techniques. You will leave the course with a selection of drawings and a series of prints.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

• Inks, an A5 printing plate and some sampling paper

What students need to bring

• Your favourite drawing materials and an apron.
• Good walking shoes, appropriate clothing and portable seat if you have one. Portable seats are also available from the College for use.
• Bring a sketchbook and a willingness to experiment.

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• Drawing and printing materials, dry pastels
• Drawing paper and printing paper of your choice (the tutor will advise you during the first session)
• Variety of drawing pencils from graphite to charcoal.
• Paper options: hot pressed paper (Zerkal for example), 160g cartridge paper, Japanese long fibre papers and Khadi papers all which provide different effects to your prints
• Brushes one of each (small, large and medium).
• A sketchbook, scissors, masking tape
• A selection of printing materials are available to purchase in the shop if you want to carry on printing at home, including waterbased relief inks, rollers and a baren