Short Course in Printmaking

There are numerous ways of creating prints. During this short course we will be exploring 3 methods – monoprint, drypoint and relief print. During two of the sessions we will explore some of the many ways of producing unique one off monoprints. From simple monochrome drawings to more complex layered prints, you will gain a good understanding of the range and versatility of monoprint methods. One week will be dedicated to the intaglio method of drypoint printmaking. We will use a thick acetate as our plate and a variety of subjects as our inspiration – images can be from sketches or photographs or you can work from your own imagination. The advantage of using acetate is being able to trace our images directly from a drawing or photograph onto the plate, meaning the technique is suitable for those who don’t feel as confident at drawing. One week we will explore relief printmaking where we will make our own printing blocks using silvercard/tetrapak or polystyrene as our plates. You can print in one colour or work in layers to create multi coloured prints. Please bring along a sketchbook, images or photographs you’d like to work from, or Cath will have a range of images that can be used as a starting point. By the end of the four weeks you will have produced a series of unique prints in a range of colours and gained a better understanding of the versatility of printmaking. We will be working up to A4 in size. If you wish, please bring an A4 sized folder to take your prints home. Printmaking can get messy, please wear old clothes or bring an apron. Cath will provide gloves and all other materials. Please note this course will start on Thursday 11th March and run for 4 concecutive weeks 10am - 1pm , concluding on Thursday 1st April. Artist bio: Cath undertook foundation studies at Leeds College of Art before studying Fine Art at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne where her interest in industrial spaces began during sketching trips to Swan Hunter shipyard on the River Tyne. Following University she started an evening class at Leeds College of Art where she became hooked on printmaking. Her practice is inspired by urban and industrial landscapes. Cath’s images focus on changing industrial landscapes and ways in which nature responds when large industrial structures are abandoned: shipyards, power-stations and steel furnaces etc. She often visits the same sites many times, documenting the changes taking place. Cath is fascinated by coastal industrial areas where large industrial structures, oil tankers and container vessels sit alongside areas of natural beauty and our nature reserves. She is also interested in new industry adjacent to old – wind turbines turning next to cooling towers. Cath’s current work focuses on post-industrial Teesside including the re-integration of seals into Greatham Creek over the last half century. As industry declines, nature returns. Many of her works combine drypoint, monoprint, chinecolle and collagraph methods. Her approach to producing prints starts with an idea developed from sketches, which then evolves as the process takes over and she responds to the unexpected marks and colours in each layer. Cath’s prints are made in very small editions of up to 4. Due to the hand inking process, each print will vary, making each unique. When attending a workshop you can receive 10% off within the Gallery Shop on the day of your session. About the venue Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture. Course terms and booking conditions Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable. If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.