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When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Course Code W24PTGA12E
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

A lively and exciting course in which intermediate and advanced students work alongside beginners sharing their experience and knowledge. Beginners will focus on Etching, hard and soft ground, sugar lift and apply an aquatint to make varied tones on the plate to create considered art works.. . All students will develop and expand printmaking skills and build a repertoire of techniques, exploring and experimenting to develop ideas and make exciting prints. Returning students are encouraged to engage in set projects, which will encourage them to learn different methods. These optional projects are designed to encourage students to explore different approaches and experiment with different techniques. The students are guided to look at and examine artist’s work, in order to inspire and promote new ideas and techniques. Students at all levels are encouraged to work toward exhibiting artwork, to enter competitions and visit print collections and art exhibitions

Learning Outcomes

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

  • complete an introductory course in printmaking techniques this term will focus on Etching, hard and soft ground, apply an Aquatint to generate tone
  • learn how to make plates and prints using relief and intaglio techniques
  • build on individual skills by developing personal projects in different media
  • develop skills, personal visual language and critical decision making
  • engage in group crits, projects, demonstrations and discussions around technique, artists work and your own and other students work
  • encourage excellent workshop practice including Health and Safety in relation to self and others

Class format and activities

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 demonstrations, presentations and lead group discussions around technical and creative subjects. In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular feedback from your tutor, in a constructive and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

No previous experience of printmaking is necessary, but an interest in, or experience of drawing or design will be helpful. Or you may have some previous experience and wish to renew your knowledge of one or more printmaking techniques.

What you need to know before you enrol

Health & 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 H&S procedures as advised. Some chemicals used may be harmful in pregnancy, and some may cause irritation in very rare cases. Please let the tutor know if you are pregnant or have any sensitivities and they will advise you as to necessary precautions 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.

What you need

Please bring and use your own tools, drawing equipment etc. For example a selection of paintbrushes and a sketchbook or notebook. It would be advisable to bring your own protective, clothing and rubber gloves. The course fee includes most studio consumables (ink, cleaning materials, 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

The Beginners Plus classes will continue in the Autumn term or you can enrol onto any of the subsequent Beginners courses, Mixed Techniques printmaking on Thirsdays or All Levels courses on any day. David Holah also runs an exciting Silkscreen printing class on Friday evenings 6-9pm,. There are also various short courses, which generally focus on single techniques. Please talk to your tutor for more advice on what to do next.