Studio courses
Learn printmaking in my studio
Short courses in experimental printmaking near York
Courses take place in my studio in the garden, generally with 4 people to ensure everyone has space and time for 1-1 tuition. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, encouraging people to share ideas and learn from each other. Everyone makes several plates and a mini portfolio of about 10 – 15 completed prints to take home. You will learn technical skills and techniques as well as developing confidence in your own creativity.
All the courses aim to free up thinking and technique, encouraging an inquisitive experimental approach that can feed back into your own creative work, whatever that may be. They are suitable for all levels of experience, including beginners, unless the course info says prior experience is needed.
All courses run 10am – 4pm at Copmanthorpe near York YO23 3TG
Viscosity printing
A two day course, with the option to extend for a further day.
April 13th and 14th (+option for 15th)
A fascinating technique using layers of different coloured inks which don’t mix on the plate, enabling you to print multiple colours in one go. An unpredictable and ‘magic’ technique with an optional scientific explanation!
Viscosity inking is one of those techniques that you have to actually do to understand it, watching or reading about it doesn’t always make sense.
The course is structured to give you a basic understanding of the principles of viscosity printing, and then an opportunity to practice and experiment with it.
Please book for the first two days, the extra day will be arranged after this.
Upcoming courses
Exploring the collagraph process
A two day course, with the option to extend for a further day.
Aug 6th and 7th (+ option for 8th)
On this course we make basic collagraph plates using a variety of techniques, and then go through a creative process of adding to, altering, and generally developing them in between printing from them. This is an exciting creative method, exploring the idea of ‘thinking with your hands’; allowing the process and the materials free you up and lead you into making unexpected and exciting new prints.
Please book for the first two days, the extra day will be arranged after this.
Upcoming courses
Extending collagraphs
A two day course, with the option to extend for a further day.
April 27th and 28th (+option for 29th)
An adventurous course built around students suggestions. This course is for those with some experience of collagraph printmaking. I take suggestions and requests from all the people booked on it and come up with a plan to suit everybody. If this sounds a bit vague don’t worry, it always seems to work and we end up with some wonderful creative days.
Please book for the first two days, the extra day will be arranged after this.
Upcoming courses
Collagraphs and textiles
A two day course
June 4th and 5th
Collagraphs combine really well with fabric printing; as well as creating beautiful finished prints, the fabric based images can be used as a starting point for embroidery and other textile projects.
From fine detailed lines and unique textures to bright bold colour blocks all printed on a variety of different fabrics, you will leave this course with a bundle of inspiration to keep you going for a good while.
Upcoming courses
Etched lino
A two day course.
July 9th and 10th
Etching lino is very different from traditional lino cuts; you can create a huge range of effects from painterly brush marks to sharp graphic detail and fine drawn lines. Create rich layers by etching the plate to different depths, and combine relief and intaglio inking for prints with subtle or vibrant colours.
On this two day course we will make a series of plates exploring the range of marks you can create by etching lino, and print each plate in several different ways.
Upcoming courses
Collagraph with cement and gels
A two day course.
July 27th and 28th
Tile cement is a wonderful versatile material for making collagraph plates.
We will be using it in its ‘wet’ form to draw, scrape and impress marks and patterns into it. Once dry we will continue to work into it by sanding, scratching and smoothing areas. Finally Adding acrylic gels adjust the tone. Everyone will create several of hard-wearing collagraph plates from tile cement, and make a series of unique and colourful prints.
Upcoming courses
Studio Days
The Studio Days programme provides an opportunity for students who have already been on a course here to spend time in the studio in groups of up to 4. You will be able to work on your own projects, refine techniques and develop work started in previous workshops.
I will be available each morning for informal support and advice as needed.
This is a pilot which I am testing out after getting requests from students. Please contact me if you would like to book a studio day.
Programmed days are generally the first Monday and Tuesday in the month; 10.00am – 6.00 pm dates March 2 / 3, April 6 / 7, June 1 / 2, July 6 / 7
Extra days by arrangement. Groups of 3 or 4 welcome
£40 per person per day
Materials extra
A2 Paper 220 cartridge @ 50p per sheet
Hawthorn stay-open inks, in a good range of colours @£5 per day
Bespoke Printmaking courses
We can arrange one off courses in the studio for groups of up to 5 people.
Examples of previous bespoke courses include;
- A mum booking a one-day nature printing course for herself, son and daughter in law as a Christmas present.
- A grandad booked a printing day for himself, his son and grandson (age 6) who were visiting from Australia.
- An engaged couple and mum came to make original prints to use for wedding stationary ideas.
- Four sisters booked a creative day together
- Four embroiderers booked a textile themed collagraph course to get inspiraton and create new material to work on.
Prices are the same as regular courses: £90 per person per day. Minimum 3 people.
Please contact me to discuss your ideas!
Printmaking courses at Higham Hall
Collagraphs with cement: 10th – 13th February
Collagraphs with mono-prints: 9th – 12th June
Exploring Collagraph process: 15th – 18th November
Please see Higham Hall website for more info and booking.
Your questions answered
If the information here does not answer all your questions please contact me
How much is it and how do I book a place?
- Courses cost £90 per person per day.
- Some courses have an optional third day; this will be arranged after you have booked the two day course.
- Each course with space available has a link to a booking page. there is also the option to add your name to a short waiting list in case a place becomes available.
- The fee includes unlimited paper, ink, drinks and biscuits as well as illustrated course handouts.
- All materials and equipment, including two etching presses, and specialist large rollers are provided.
- Everybody makes several plates and a collection of at least 10 prints to take home.
- You may want to bring your own apron, but I have some here, as well as plastic gloves.
- The only thing you need to remember to bring is a packed lunch!
Where is the studio and what's it like?
The studio is at Copmanthorpe, just off the A64, about 4 miles south of York in North Yorkshire (YO23 3TG). This is on a bus route, (13 and 840 from York Station) and there is plenty of parking on site.
Studio
- The large light room has two etching presses and plenty of space for creative experimentation.
There is be level access, tea making facilities and a toilet.
Outside space
- French doors open onto the garden where there is room to work outside when the weather is sunny.
What time do courses start and finish?
- Courses run from 10.00am till 4.pm.
- If you are booking a course for a small group we can arrange times to suit you.
What if I can't make a course I have booked?
I hope the planned courses will all go ahead but if for any reason one doesn’t run we will do our best to arrange an alternative date. If this is not possible you can choose to have a credit towards another course, or a refund of the whole amount paid.
If you need to cancel and let me know at least 3 weeks before the course I will refund your full fee minus 10% to cover admin costs. If your cancellation is less than 3 weeks before the course I will not be able to refund your payment.
Can I arrange extra dates?
Yes. If you can’t make any of the programmed dates, just gather a group of 4 or 5 people together and we can fix a date that suits. Choose from any of the advertised courses or we can devise one especially for your particular group.