Ref: SLW37587
Wood engraving is a captivating medium. Its very fine detail comes from using the end grain (bole/trunk) of the wood - traditionally boxwood. Because of this, you can work carefully and meditatively and get a great sense of achievement and satisfaction.
This course is for students with some experience, but it can accommodate beginners because everyone works at their own pace. You will be provided with a small practice block on which to develop the use of the different tools and create different effects. The course also provides you with a 5 x 4 lemonwood block on which to create a design or idea. Ideally, you should come prepared with a drawing to fit this size, to work either vertically or horizontally on the block. If you have previous experience, this will give you the opportunity to develop an idea further, or you can bring along an existing project to complete a print. You will practise transferring your design/drawing to the larger block, also, sharpening tools, making proofs either by hand burnishing or by using the Albion press and further adjusting your ideas to a resolved and finished piece of work. Ultimately, you should be able to print up a small edition of your design. Extra papers and materials are available to purchase from the shop.
The College will provide: A 5 x 4 inch lemonwood end grain block and a small practice block Oil-based printing ink Black Quink ink French chalk White spirit Masking tape Trace down transfer paper Newsprint A sheet of printing paper
Tools will be provided for your use during the course.
Available from shop: A good variety of art and craft materials, including paper suitable for printing, masking tape, black Quink ink, printing ink, trace down paper, etc.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Cathryn Kuhfeld is a painter & printmaker who completed her postgraduate studies at The Royal Academy Schools. She has exhibited regularly for over forty years, mainly in London. She has work in the collections of The Nuffield Foundation, Sir Brinsley Ford and HM The King. She is an elected member of The Society of Wood Engravers and also the Chelsea Art Society.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
