Introduction to Printmaking (Course at FDPW)

There will be a course taking place at FDPW

Introductory Printmaking.


23 April to 21 May (Thursdays, 11 am to 4 pm )

It will be taught by Colin Beaumont.

Techniques covered include collagraph, monoprint, drypoint on perspex and card printing.


Please leave a comment here on this blog if you are interested in participating
or

email ainescannell@googlemail.com


A Collagraph is a print made from a collaged or textured board.

essentially a Collagraph "plate" (from which you make your print), is made from a cardboard base onto which are glued various materials e.g., fabric/textiles, papers including sandpaper, string, glue, and carborundum or sand. This is just an example of what can be included. There are a huge range of possibilities. It is also possible to 'scribe' into some of the surfaces on the plate. Layers of paper can be cut and torn away from the card base additionally. The card can also be incised with a scalpel blade to create very fine lines.
Once the plate has been sealed with a final varnish - it is 'inked up' to get ink into all of the crevices and indentations. Thereafter, it is 'wiped' in preparation for putting it through the etching press. Paper is soaked in a water tray and 'blotted' to remove most of the water. It is placed over the ready inked/wiped plate and run through the press under immense pressure.
The plate may also be relief inked i.e. have ink rolled onto the surface thereby giving 2 colours from one run through the press.

Here is an example of a collagraph plate and print.



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Here is a link to where you can see more of Wallah's artworks on Flickr. Check out the lower row of thumbnails which show close ups of sections of the collagraph plate. Thanks for sharing this Wallah - I hope that it helps people to understand the process.
I will add to this post over the next few days to help illustrate some of the techniques, that Colin will be introducing to course participants.