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Course details
Explore a creative and experimental approach to a variety of printmaking techniques including monoprinting and collagraph. Use a professional press in the historic Porthmeor Print Workshop to create stunning, multi-layered prints.
You will explore several methods of monoprinting including creating rich colour over colour relief prints achieved with the press. Go on to explore drypoint using clear plastic plates and use these to work over your monoprints. Then moving on to collagraph, a fantastic intaglio medium similar to etching, you will learn to produce prints of incredible subtlety and depth.
Collagraph lends itself particularly well to colour inking and can incorporate very painterly techniques using gesso, brush marks and different approaches of applying inks. All methods covered are highly versatile and lend themselves particularly well to a multi-layered approach.
This course is taught in the historic Porthmeor Print workshop giving you access to its etching presses and associated printing equipment.
*NB This course will be held at the Porthmeor Print Studio which is a 2 minutes walk from the Porthmeor Studios. Please note access to this historic space is via a steep sloping cobbled path and steps.
Day to day plan
This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course. However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group.
Day 1
After an introduction and demonstration we will spend the morning exploring multi layered monoprints directly from glass using stencils, textured materials and different drawing methods. In the afternoon work with multi-layered prints using the etching presses working up to larger paper and using dry point plates.
Day 2
In the morning we start with an introduction to collagraph using mount card, gesso, textured wallpapers, PVA shellac varnish. Print all afternoon with etching inks in various colours.
Day 3
Continue with your collagraph and monoprints as well as bringing your dry point into the mix.
What will I learn?
- Learn specialised printmaking techniques
- Learn to apply different techniques together
- Push forward your creative ideas through a new medium
- Experience using a professional etching press as well as learn techniques that can be applied back at home.
- Have a fun and productive few days guided by an experienced painter and printmaker
Who would this course suit?
The course is ideal for those interested in learning to use these three different mediums. You don’t need to have any experience in printmaking or painting to enjoy learning the process.
Taught by
What to Bring
Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.
Timings and Breaks
The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.
All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.
What our students say
I was looking for a course which would free up my printmaking and Rachael’s course did exactly that. It was an inspiration and a practical masterclass which has left me keen to do much more innovative and free printmaking. It was exactly what I needed and wanted.
FAQs
Studio Courses
How can I get help in choosing a course?
Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
What do I need to bring?
Absolutely nothing! All materials and aprons are provided although some people do like to bring their own set of brushes.
What do I do for lunch?
Courses allow an hour’s break for lunch and there are numerous places nearby or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.
What times do courses run?
Most of our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm on the first day. Subsequent days we start at 9.30am ending at 4pm.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 24 hours if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can reserve a place with a £100 deposit; balance is due 12 weeks before course start date.
About St Ives
Where do I park?
The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon Long Stay Car Park, both a 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at Trenwith Car Park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.
How do I get there?
Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.
Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.
Where can I stay?
St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.