Ref: SSS39911
A relaxed and friendly course that introduces you to the key principals of the printmaking plate or block, and how surfaces of different heights and chemical compositions are used to create and hold images.
You will have the opportunity to work in 3 of the main types of printmaking: relief, intaglio, and planographic, as the tutor introduces you to woodcut, drypoint and paper lithography throughout the course.
After demonstrating and teaching ways of working with each technique, the tutor will encourage you to work with imagery and approaches tailored towards your own interests and practices, and – of course – the Summer School theme. Variations could include different applications of colour, working more with photographic imagery / collage, or hand-drawn / painterly approaches, and the possibility of combining 2 or more of the course’s processes into a single print.
Weather permitting, there will be opportunities to include inspiration from the college grounds, including en plein air sketches, rubbings of textures, and found objects.
Upon completion of the course, you will have experience preparing plates/blocks and taking prints from them, across 3 different processes, each from a different ‘family’ in the printmaking world. You will gain experience printing with both an intaglio press and by hand, alongside working with rollers and basic cutting tools. This overview will give you a greater insight into the rich possibilities of print, alongside the confidence and inspiration to hopefully continue and develop your practice in the medium.
Summer School Highlights
The Summer School week is an immersive learning experience with more time to develop your creativity and embrace opportunities for creative development beyond your chosen course. A detailed timetable for your Summer School week will be given to you on arrival. This will include:
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during summer school due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
On this course the College and tutor will supply all of the materials including: plates and blocks (Japanese plywood and aluminium plate), printing inks, basic printing paper, tissue paper, acetate and other sundries.
Sketchbooks and drawing materials. A variety of preparatory drawings / paintings / photographs / collages up to a A4 in size. Black and white / greyscale, high contrast images will work best. Please try to bring hard copies rather than digital files. Workshop wear: old clothes, apron, sensible shoes etc. you will be working with oil-based inks and printmaking can get messy!
Available from shop: Specialist papers (basic printing paper will be provided)
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-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 (lunch included)
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 - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
All lunches and evening meals are provided for residential and non-residential students during Summer School due to planned activities/events in the early evenings.
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.
Several evening events are planned throughout the week, a detailed timetable for your Summer School will be given to you on arrival.
Ralph Overill is an artist and educator based in Essex. Since graduating with an MA in Printmaking from Camberwell College of Arts in 2011, he has worked on prints for many professional artists, alongside teaching at London Print Studio and Havering College. Ralph regularly exhibits his work in London and is currently studying for a Professional Doctorate in Fine Art.
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.
