Japanese woodblock printing is a craft of discipline and sensibility. It is a traditional method of making an edition of colour prints using the relief woodcut process. It differs from the European process by its use of a Japanese baren (printing disc) to print on moist paper. The result is a print which has the delicacy of historical Ukiyo-e print in the Japanese Edo period.

During this course, the tutor will introduce and explain each stage of the process, including completing and transferring your design, carving the woodblock, applying the watercolour paints, preparing and moistening paper. This is followed by the effective use of a baren to complete your prints by hand.

On the first evening, your tutor will check your design and advise on any adjustments. On the following evenings, you may be able to work in the studio with the tutor’s permission.

You will learn the basic techniques which you can explore and practise at home.

By the end of the course, you will have completed three woodblocks, learned and applied techniques to produce an edition of prints from your blocks and gained confidence in exploring printmaking with colour and layers.

Included

The course fee includes the cost of providing materials, including:

• Japanese sumi (black ink) and watercolour paints to share
• Tracing paper, carbon paper, sandpaper
• Nori paste
• 12 sheets of prepared Japanese printing paper per student
• 1 test piece of plywood
• 3 pieces of Japanese plywood
• Set of woodcut tools per student and a traditional Japanese baren for each student to take home
• A folder

What students need to bring

• Please bring a 15cm x 21cm drawing for the image you wish to make. A three to four-colour simple design would be best (as generally each colour needs a separate block).
• An apron
• Any watercolour paints will be useful, including Chinese watercolour paints (or gouache is fine) that you have at home.
• 4 – 5 minimum 200ml glass jars with lids (small jam jar/mustard jar size is good)

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• Additional Nori paste
• Drawing media and paper for your designs

Available from tutor:

• Additional plywood blocks, Cotman watercolour paint tubes, and various sizes and shapes of knives, traditional Japanese barens and tracing paper will be available to purchase from the tutor.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

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

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