Woodcut Printmaking
This course will provide an introduction to woodcut printmaking. Fundamental relief techniques will introduce you to the tools and methods needed to allow you to carve and print from your own relief woodblocks. We will explore carving techniques to obtain a range of textures, depth, and contrast to create strong visual statements in your artwork. We will examine the conventional and contemporary practice of these techniques, to gain an understanding of how these tools can be applied in the expanded field of printmaking.
Topics Covered:
– Prepping blocks for carving
– Transferring drawings to the block surface
– Carving wood (large areas and small details)
– Textures and mark-making in wood
– Registration
– Mixing oil-based inks for relief printing
– Printing by hand with a barren or spoon
– Editioning, signing, and numbering prints
– Monotype methods (painterly prints)
– Split fountain inking
– Reductive prints
– Printing with a press
– Water-based mokuhanga printing
Special Notes
This is an in-person class which will take place onsite at Fleisher. Please review our COVID-19 community safety policies for current guidelines.
Tuition Assistance is Available
To make our classes and workshops accessible to everyone, Fleisher offers tuition assistance every term so that everyone can join our creative community. Tuition assistance applications can be completed once registration is open by clicking here. The deadline to apply for spring term assistance is Friday, March 10; Notifications will be sent by Monday, March 13.
What you will learn:
To identify the difference between the woodcut and other printmaking processes
To carve wood blocks safely using different techniques of mark making
To print your wood blocks by hand
To know the reasons for choosing wood and paper and the outcomes to expect
To gain an understanding of the role of woodcut printmaking in historical and contemporary contexts
Required supplies:
Your lab fee provides for some supplies, and the use of studio materials. Students are required to purchase additional supplies. We will go over required supplies at our first meeting.
Sketchbook
Newsprint for proofing
Drawing materials
Carving tools
Wood or alternate material for carving
Relief inks (oil-based or water-based)
Roller or brayer for applying oil-based inks
Brushes for applying inks
Barren or spoon for hand printing
Printing papers
Non-slip mat or bench hook
Palette knives for mixing inks
Ink additives
Apron
Case for carrying supplies
Portfolio or tube for carrying paper
Containers for saving mixed inks
