Printmaking Classes – Summer term 23rd April – 16th July Thursdays 9.30-12.30pm ( Half term 28th May )
Explore print techniques and processes and develop an innovative portfolio of prints. Through various techniques, developed by tutor Adam Grose’s continual experimentation, we will explore various print processes, combining and innovating via the following short course:
Over the 12-week period we will explore a few processes within the printmaking world exploring some alternative methods for transferring image to surface.
The first 6 week block will be split into 3 x 2 week sessions covering a range of techniques to include:
Gel Printing
Overview
This two-week course introduces participants to the creative possibilities of gel printing, focusing on mono-printing techniques, surface design, and experimental mark-making.
Learners will develop their skills using gel plates, inks, tools, and various substrates, while exploring colour, texture, layering, and composition. Through guided activities and personal experimentation, participants will gain confidence, refine their artistic voice, and create a cohesive body of work.
Skills & Techniques Covered
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Develop an understanding of gel plate materials, including preparation, safe handling, and maintenance.
- Create prints using basic monoprint techniques, including stencilling, masking, texturing, and direct mark-making.
- Explore layering techniques to build depth, pattern, and visual interest in their prints.
- Experiment with colour blending to achieve a range of tonal effects and harmonies.
Dry-Point Etching (Environmount Card)
Overview
In this two-week section of the course, learners will delve into dry-point etching, where marks are incised into a soft surface (in this case, environmount card) to create intricate, expressive images. Dry-point etching is ideal for capturing fine lines, textures, and delicate details, perfect for creating hand-drawn qualities in print.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session, participants will:
- Gain a solid understanding of dry-point materials, including the preparation, safe handling, and maintenance of environmount card plates.
- Master basic dry-point techniques such as incising, masking, texturing, and direct mark-making to create rich, expressive marks.
- Explore layering techniques to enhance depth, colour, and texture in their prints, resulting in dynamic, multi-dimensional work.
- Create a larger-scale dry-point print, incorporating all of the techniques learned throughout the session.
Collagraphy (Textural Printing)
Overview
In this part of the course, participants will explore collagraphy, a printmaking technique that involves creating textured plates from a variety of found materials. These materials are adhered to a sturdy surface, building up different textures and patterns, which are then inked and printed. The resulting prints are rich and tactile, with a wide range of tonal effects.
Collagraphy allows for the creative exploration of both texture and tone, making it a versatile and exciting method for those interested in producing dynamic prints with a hands-on, tactile approach.
Skills & Techniques Covered
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand collagraphy materials, including both soft and hard textures, and how to safely prepare and handle them.
- Create prints using basic collagraph techniques, including texturing, layering, and direct mark-making to build unique, tactile surfaces.
- Experiment with layering techniques to create depth, colour, and visual interest in their prints.
- Scale-up their work by creating larger, more complex prints using a combination of multiple methods, materials, and techniques.
Mixed-Media Printmaking: 6-Week Course
Dates: 11th June – 9th July 2026
Course Overview
This six-week course introduces participants to a wide range of traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques with a focus on Woodcut, Lino Block Printing, and Screen-Printing. Through a combination of structured lessons and personal exploration, participants will develop both technical skills and creative confidence in producing a series of mixed-media prints. The course encourages experimentation with these three methods and their combination, allowing for the creation of unique, layered artworks.
Each week builds on the previous, progressing from basic techniques to more complex processes, culminating in a final mixed-media project that integrates all three printmaking methods.
Week 1: Introduction to Woodcut Printing
Overview
In the first week, participants will dive into woodcut printing, one of the oldest printmaking techniques. Learners will explore the tools, materials, and process involved in carving and printing from woodblocks.
Week 2: Introduction to Lino Block Printing
Overview
The second week focuses on lino block printing, a versatile technique with a similar process to woodcut but using linoleum as the carving surface. This session will emphasize creating clean, crisp designs.
Week 3: Combining Woodcut and Lino Block Prints
Overview
This week will focus on how to combine woodcut and lino block prints in one artwork. Participants will experiment with layering and printing from both blocks to create a richer, more dynamic composition.
Week 4: Introduction to Screen Printing
Overview
In this week, participants will be introduced to screen printing—a popular technique in contemporary printmaking that uses mesh screens to transfer ink onto paper.
Week 5: Combining Screen Printing with Woodcut and Lino
Overview
This week, participants will bring together their knowledge of screen printing, woodcut, and lino block printing to create a multi-layered print that utilizes all three methods.
Week 6: Final Mixed-Media Print Project
Overview
In the final week, participants will work on their final project, which will integrate woodcut, lino block, and screen printing into a cohesive, multi-layered print. The goal is to combine everything learned in the course into one unified artwork.
Materials Provided
- Woodcut blocks (plywood or birch)
- Lino blocks and cutting tools
- Screen printing frames, mesh, and squeegees
- Ink for woodcut, lino, and screen printing
- Paper for printing
- Exposure unit or screen printing stencils (if not DIY)
- Brayers, carving tools, and additional printmaking equipment
Recommended Materials (Optional)
- Personal sketchbooks for design planning
- Personal carving tools for woodcut and lino
- Acrylics or screen-printing ink in various colours
The 6-week course is designed to gradually build skills and confidence, starting with basic techniques and culminating in a final mixed-media project that incorporates everything learned. Participants will not only experiment with traditional techniques but also explore how these methods can complement each other, creating dynamic prints with depth and complexity.
Tutor: Adam Grose
Adam Grose is a painter and printmaker from Cornwall, living and working in Taunton. He studied painting and printmaking at Southampton Institute (BA (Hons) and at Falmouth University (Master of Fine Art: Contemporary Practice). He is a member of the RWA in Bristol.