Introductory Printmaking Course at FDPW (September 2009)

Probably seems like ages ago now but it was only a few weeks ago that Colin Beaumont (tutor)  and six students completed the "Introduction to Print Making" course, at Fife Dunfermline Print Workshop over the span of four Saturdays.

Tatiana Campbell ( FDPW member) arranged with Colin, to go along on their final Saturday and document their activities.  I know from teaching courses and workshops myself, that it is extremely difficult to take photographs of the 'course' when you are the teacher !!    So I just wish that I had had the luxury of someone like T, to assist me in this.

The other thing is that I tended to forget, especially in the early days.

Here you can see Colin, in the workshop, with a participant.  They  appear to be discussing something that has just gone through the etching press.  I must say she looks really pleased!!

On the course they did relief and intaglio.  They were making collagraphs on the final day and  made some very nice pieces.  If you want to see more check out Colins new website.

Hot off the press..... at FDPW 24 March 2009 !!

I finally remembered to take my camera with me and took a few photos at the print workshop yesterday Tuesday the 24th March, 2009.

Present were Steve Ramtomski, Colin Beaumont, Rita Hayse and Jane Marshall.

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.

In the RED at the Smith !!!

"In the Deep MidWinter Winter" continues at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum, in Stirling.





NOTE: If yours is here please identify/ post in comments (Aine S.)
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15 November to 11 January 2009


as stated on the Stirling Smiths website:

"This is the first time artists from the Fife Dunfermline Printmakers Workshop have exhibited their fine art original prints within Stirling.

The works on show are created using a huge range of printmaking techniques. Small delicate etchings of landscapes, medium sized screen prints evoking images of autumn and winter, mixed media prints through to large scale works of landscape and human figures reflect the plethora of styles held by the FDPW members.



There are 19 artists taking part in the exhibition including Clare Yarrington, from Rumbling Bridge in Kinross-shire, an artist who exhibits throughout Scotland. She displays her beautifully controlled use of colour in her large collages in contrast to her subtle hand coloured collographs. She is a geologist and rock climber and these references feature regularly in her work.

Stephen Ratomski from Dunfermline had his prints included in the SSA and RSA annual exhibitions in Edinburgh this year. His artworks are powerful screen prints with rich combinations of vivid colour and shape. They evoke understated references to the changing mood of landscape and nature.


Sheila Carnduff from Aberdour also exhibited at the SSA this year as well as other group shows. Her prints are colourful collographs and etchings inspired by recent visits to the Middle East and Japan.

Lynne Rickard from Thornhill has been a member for a number of years and is exhibiting etchings inspired by nature.
Catherine King from Larbert,  lectures at Forth Valley College and is exhibiting large collographs of human figures and landscapes.

On Saturday 15 November at 2.30pm artists Catherine King and Alison Leeper will be giving a short talk about printmaking.

Admission is free and opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am - 5.00pm and Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm. Closed Mondays. All works are for sale. "

A BIG THANK YOU TO MARY FAIRGRIEVE FOR SUPPLYING PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PRIVATE VIEW.