What will I be doing?
A short introduction to using stencils, including plants, leaves and flowers as stencils, with artist Michelle Avison. Learn how to make delicate and detailed presentations of the plants, how to use stencils to introduce shape and texture, and explore two plates with two colours to build complex layered prints. You will learn how to print the reverse image or ‘offset’ and how to reuse your stencils to print again.
Explore how monotype can be used to generate ideas and try things out, in a series of directed exercises for the first part of the class, then explore the new techniques for the remainder of the class to make a small series of prints to take home.
You will have the opportunity to explore your own image making with the expert one-to-one guidance of the tutor, and will learn from Michelle’s considerable experience of monotype printmaking. Michelle will show you some print examples and demonstrate techniques, and there will be an opportunity for Q & A and an opportunity to look at and discuss the work at the end of the session.
The course is underpinned with lots of technical advice and tips for making great monotype prints and to build your confidence and technical skills in the process.
This class is the second in a series of short printmaking classes on Sunday afternoons, designed to introduce a range of techniques, with a bit of help to get you drawing and thinking. Join up for other classes in this series to explore some more of the amazing things you can make in print and build a portfolio of techniques that you can continue to use and explore. These classes are both a good introduction to printmaking if you have not done any before, and great for artists and printmakers who are looking for new skills and techniques to help with generating ideas.
See Trace Monotype and Monotype Study Day: Using Water Washable Inks for more in this series.
About your tutor
Michelle Avison studied painting at the Slade School of Art in the late 1980s, going on to study Printmaking MA at Wimbledon School of Art. Michelle is an experienced artist educator committed to sharing her printmaking expertise and ideas.
A very experimental printmaker, Michelle’s approach always puts image first and she is really good at helping students develop compelling images and professional printmaking skills. Monoprinting is key to her practice as an artist – informed by her interest in drawing, and training as a painter. She will guide you through different techniques, share some of the things she has learnt and give you tips and pointers to make the most of this fabulously versatile technique.
What should I bring?
Printmaking plates, ink and paper are included in the fee.
Please bring dried plant/ vegetable material that you would like to work from, plus textured papers, lace, thin mesh, packaging materials etc to use as stencils.
You will also need a notebook and/ or sketchbook, and a pencil. We have aprons to borrow and gloves- but bring your own if you prefer!
Our south London printmaking studio in Stockwell has a small kitchen with a microwave and fridge, plates, cutlery and mugs. Tea and coffee will be provided.