Printmaking Introductions: Collagraphy

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge of the subject is required.

Special Information

Materials you will need to bring to the first class:

• Pencil

• Scalpel

• Images to work from

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

• Apron

• Glue stick

• Etching needle - basic model 

• Tissue paper

• Newsprint

• Colour papers for chine colle

• Mountboard / mattboard standard thickness, A4 size

• Shellac varnish or waterproof equivalent for sealing Collagraph plates prior to inking and printing

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. “Collage-o-graphs?”. The tutor will provide a general introduction with a short power-point presentation overview of Collagraphy and mixed-media printmaking. Relevant examples of printmakers’ work in Collagraphy, materials used and the techniques employed will be discussed. Students will create, cut and print a small card-print as an introduction to the Collagraphic technique. This will provide a short practical insight into the use of ink, printing paper and an intaglio printing press. They may then begin to prepare a small collagraph plate which will require creating marks by incising, ripping, gluing materials and waterproofing with shellac before printing with damped paper the following week.

2. “Proofing the print”. The tutor will demonstrate the processes for preparing paper, inking, wiping and printing a prepared Collagraph plate using the intaglio method. Students will be encouraged to proof print several impressions from their collagraphs using one colour of ink.

3. “Colour and Carborundum”. A selection of methods for introducing colour to a collagraph plate will be demonstrated. This will include A la Poupeé and Chine Collé. Creating a plate using Carborundum or fine grain sand will be introduced.

4. “Series and scale”.  The tutor will discuss the potential of producing works in series, the impact of juxtaposing images of varying scale in a group and presenting repeated images with alternative colour combinations in sequence.

5. Résumé 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 and 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:

• Compose, create and produce printed images using an intaglio printmaking technique using a wide variety of simple materials and processes.

• Demonstrate the beginnings of developing their own working methods and printmaking practice.

• Demonstrate a good knowledge and experience of printmaking studio practices. This will include how to safely use materials, tools and machinery to produce prints.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

• Printmaking Periodicals

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.