Monotypes are a spontaneous and exciting way to make images. During this two-day course, you will learn how to use a plexiglass plate and washable oil-based inks to create multiple prints with painterly qualities and collage elements.

On the first day, you will be encouraged to be curious and investigative in your approach as you explore making marks with a variety of tools, brayers and recycled materials. You will be introduced to painting and mark-making techniques using a modified oil and the additive or reductive approach, and you will produce a series of small test prints exploring the potential of the medium.

Your tutor will explain the potential variables, pitfalls and different printing methods, and she will demonstrate how to print by hand and use a roller press. You will be able to compare printing methods using both heavyweight paper and wet strength tissue, and learn how to register a plate.

On the second day, you will have the opportunity to further develop your work by making different format prints (up to A3 size) and learn how to incorporate collage techniques such as Chine collé, which will produce unique surface qualities, as you can print onto delicate types of paper.

The course is designed for both beginners and for those who have some knowledge of printmaking and would like to extend their understanding of painterly prints and the monotype process. It is particularly suited to those who are interested in expressive and abstract mark-making, layering, collage and surface textures.

By the end of the course, you will have gained confidence in your printmaking skills through experimentation and will take with you a number of test prints and more resolved outcomes.

Included

On this course the College will supply most of the materials, including Plexiglass plate, brayers and inking plates, Caligo Safewash relief inks, modified oil (to thin and dilute inks), blotting paper, paper (heavyweight cartridge, wet strength tissue paper, small selection of papers suitable for Chine collé) and gloves.

What students need to bring

• Sketches or images to use as inspiration for your prints (can be colour or black and white)
• An apron or old shirt to protect your clothes
• Extra brushes and mark-making tools if you have them (e.g. paintbrushes, cotton buds, bamboo skewers, rags)
• Delicate papers for Chine collé (e.g. tissue paper, Washi - thin Japanese paper, Kozo or mulberry papers)
• The tutor will also provide some mark-making tools, small water spray bottles, TYLO powdered glue and some papers suitable for Chine collé.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good variety of additional materials are available to buy, if required, including printing paper, inks and brushes.

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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