Printmaking Introductions: Basic Skills and Techniques

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is required.

Special Information

This course will include a limited supply of basic papers and cards. However please do acquire the materials recommended for this course.

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Apron

• Pencils

• Permanent marker

• Biro

• Gloves (dishwashing or disposable varieties)

• Selection of brushes

• Eraser

• Scalpel or equivalent sharp cutting blade

In addition to the course fee, students are expected to provide the following list of indicative tools, materials and equipment:

• Set of economy woodcut tools

• Etching needle – basic model

• Mountboard – for card printing

• Tracing paper

• Sketchbooks

• Lino jute backed blocks or soft rubber lino

• Black drawing ink

• Glue stick

Further material recommendations may be advised.

Content of Course

Each session, students will be introduced to various aspects in relation to the course. The sessions will explore a combination of contextual references and practical exercises and demonstrations, which include:

1. General introduction with short power-point presentation overview of relevant printmakers work and techniques which will be covered during the course. Students will produce work as Monoprints then be guided through the process for producing prints as Monotypes using the printing press.

2. Drypoint. Introduced with a short power-point presentation and practical demonstration. This demonstrates the transition from printing from a flat inked surface, Monotype, to Intaglio printmaking technique. Students will learn to incise their monoprint plate using an etching needle, introduce ink in the Intaglio manner and print using damped paper through the Printing Press.

3. Card Prints. Introduced by short power-point presentation and practical demonstration. This demonstrates a transition from incised Intaglio technique to creating Relief prints. Students will learn to use a scalpel or other sharp cutting tool to cut and rip an image from thick card or mountboard. This will be inked up in the Relief manner using a roller to produce a print in relief which also contains tonal elements.

4. Relief Prints (lino). Introduced by short power-point presentation and practical demonstration. Students will first learn how to transfer an image to lino. They will then use gauges and other blades to cut an image from the lino before rolling out ink and printing onto paper.

5. Resumé of course. Short power-point presentation revisiting artists works, relevant techniques and students works. Students to continue with any works that have yet to be completed and printed. Small group pocket exhibition of student works.

Teaching method(s)

This course will be based and delivered in specialist art and design studios or workshops and will typically include a range of practical exercises, introductions to techniques, processes and concepts. This is supported by practical demonstrations, group discussions, contextual references and one-to-one support.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Produce printed images confidently through a variety of printmaking techniques and approaches.

• Demonstrate an introductory level of knowledge and experience of working with a range of printmaking studio practices. This will include how to safely use materials, tools and machinery to produce prints.

• Develop an understanding of how to compose, transfer and produce images in print following a series of processes.

Sources

Core Readings

• Printmaking Periodicals

• Printmaking publications by the V & A press

Web Sources

British Museum Department of Prints and Drawings Collection of Western Prints

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Print Collection

Class Handouts

Will be provided as required.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email COL@ed.ac.uk or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.