No experience is necessary for this class and all the materials you’ll need will be provided by Belfast Print Workshop.

Four-day (4x 3hr) Class
An Introduction to Printmaking

This course will introduce you to some of the processes you can access at Belfast Print Workshop and give you the basic skills to continue using them after the course.

You will be given a handbook on the different techniques to keep for your own reference.

You will learn each of the following processes in a supportive environment with all equipment and materials provided. During this course you will have demonstrations and examples shown of the different techniques and one to one guidance.

Monoprinting
Using oil-based relief printing inks you will produce one-off, multi-colour prints, working with stencils.

Collograph
You will use collage to create images and build up texture that will then be printed using our etching presses.

Drypoint
Drypoint is a lovely way of making an Intaglio plate without using acids. A drypoint is not an etching, since acid has not been used to make the lines.
Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking method that involves scratching an image into a plate with a pointed tool. These lines create a burr that holds ink, meaning that the print reveals the drawing. Drypoint is an easy technique to get to grips with and is a great method if you would like to take your drawings into print. It’s easier than etching as it requires less specialist equipment and no chemicals or acids.

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Designed for beginners and those with some experience. You will be shown how to make your own prints using a variety of techniques under the guidance of your experienced tutor.

Details
Four-Day (4x 3hr) Workshop:
Monday 7th November 2022, 6.00 – 9.00 pm
Monday 14th November 2022, 6.00 – 9.00 pm
Monday 21st November 2022, 6.00 – 9.00 pm
Monday 28th November 2022, 6.00 – 9.00 pm

Weekend Course (2x 6hr) – Cyanotype

This Class is suitable for the complete beginner or for a printmaker who wishes to explore cyanotypes.

Josephine McCormick, our tutor will demonstrate each stage of the technique, provide samples and offer support and advice throughout the weekend. You will be given a handbook for your reference as well.

A cyanotype is a photographic based printing process that produces a lovely cyan blue image when paper, coated with light sensitive liquid is exposed to ultraviolet light.

It is a wonderfully flexible, simple and beautiful print process!

Within this workshop you will learn how to coat your light sensitive paper then expose it to light and once dry to make your very own cyanotype prints.

We will ask you for some photographs in advance, which we will make into a negative, ahead of time, allowing you to print your own personal photographic cyanotype prints.

We will also look at ways it is possible to create your own cyanotype by drawing and marking onto tracing paper if you wish to further explore this printmaking process.

You also will have the chance to make beautiful botanical cyanotypes.

All materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own botanicals. These could be leaves or flowers you have picked or flat objects such as pieces of lace or feathers.

You will have lots of time and space to make your work and experiment with the range of techniques that cyanotype printing allows and will leave with a handful of your own personal prints at the end of the weekend.

Details
Two-Day (2x 6hr) Workshop:
Saturday, 8th October 2022, 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday, 9th October 2022, 10 am – 4 pm

What you’ll get
Everything you need to create some lovely botanical or photographic prints to keep, hang on your wall or gift to a friend!

This workshop will equip you with basic knowledge allowing you to continue cyanotype printmaking on your own.

This is a beginner-friendly class whether it is your first time with printmaking and you’d like to do something creative in you spare time or build upon existing creative practice everybody is welcome, no matter how much experience you have.