Ref: SWE41028
Explore the experimental printmaking process of collagraph, combined with the colour and layering possibilities of chine collé. In this course, you will create printing plates by assembling textured materials onto cardboard, sealing the surface, and then inking and printing the plate to produce unique, richly textured prints.
No previous experience is requiredonly an interest in exploring collage, texture, and mixed media processes.
The course begins with tutor demonstrations introducing a range of approaches to making collagraph plates, preparing surfaces, and working with inks and tools. You will then experiment with different mark-making techniques and textures, explore how paper and ink interact, and produce sample plates to test a variety of inking and printing methods. Guidance will also be given on selecting suitable papers and surfaces, as well as using an etching press.
After creating your collagraph plate, you will incorporate chine collé to add colour and layered elements to your prints. These processes open up many creative possibilities and can lead to new directions in your work. Throughout the session, your tutor will discuss compositional ideas and artistic choices to help you develop strong and expressive images.
The course concludes with an informal group discussion of the work produced, giving you the opportunity to reflect on your process, consolidate your learning, and receive constructive feedback.
By the end of the course, you will have been introduced to diverse possibilities available to make unique marks with collagraphs. You will have started to learn how to think in textures and layers, and experimented with combining one or more impressions. You will know how to select appropriate materials and other resources for plate designs and gained an increased knowledge of papers and other surfaces for printing.
The College will provide all materials, including printmaking inks and solvents, A5 plates, Somerset printing paper, tissue paper, newsprint paper, tracing paper, blotting paper, tape, scrim, carborundum, PVA, tile cement, mount board, artist shellac and acrylic texture paste.
The theme is flexible, so bring along any interesting sketches or photographs you may have that you would like to make into a print.
If you have already done some printmaking, then please bring any plates and samples of prints with relevant problems you may have encountered. It is a messy discipline, so an apron/overall is essential.
Gardens Gatehouse Craft Shop: A good variety of art and craft materials, including notebooks, sketchbooks, pens, pencils, Somerset printmaking 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 - 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
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.
Vicky is best known for her work as a printmaker. She is well represented by galleries across the UK, and has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer exhibition, The Mall Galleries and in Tokyo, Japan.
She has been published in The Printmakers Bible and Practical Printmaking.
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.
