2011 Plein air Printmaking dates

30th May – 3rd June 2011 Plein air Printmaking – one day courses Mounts Bay, Cornwall
26th June – 1st July 2011 Plein air Printmaking – mobile printmaking experience – Cornwall

To request information please email oli@oliverwest.net for details

Plein Air Printmaking Experience

A number of types of printmaking will be encouraged, particularly the fast process of dry point engraving alongside traditional etching and monoprinting techniques. The faster process give ample opportunity to capture changes in the moment by moment weather conditions.

Other relief printmaking processes such as woodblock and lino printing will also be facilitated.

Below the videos is a brief description of one of the main processes we will use...

The Etching Process

Etching is the process of using strong acid to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio in the metal. As an intaglio method of printmaking it is, along with engraving, the most important technique for old master prints, and remains widely used today.

In pure etching, a copper, zinc or steel plate is covered with an acid resistant wax. The artist then scratches an image in the wax with a pointed etching needle, exposing the bare metal. The plate is then dipped in a bath of acid, technically called the ‘mordant’, and the acid bites into the metal where it is exposed, leaving behind lines sunk into the plate. The depth of this ‘etch’ is controlled by the amount of time the acid is allowed to ‘bite’ the metal. After removing the remaining wax, the plate is inked all over, and then the ink wiped off the surface, leaving ink in the etched lines. The plate is then put through a high-pressure printing press (similar to an old washing mangle) together with a sheet of dampened paper. The paper picks up the ink from the etched lines, revealing a faithful
mirror image of the etched drawing. This inking procedure is then repeated for each print.

Plein Air Printmaking - Cornwall

Oliver has been running arts courses, holidays and trips since 1995. With groups of approximately ten people Oliver’s broad skills and one-to-one attention ensure a unique experience with many people returning year after year. These tailor made print making experiences provide ideal opportunities for making new friendships, exploring and exchanging creative ideas and enjoying some of the most beautiful places in the world. To date Oliver has run Plein Air Printmaking courses inboth the U.K and also further afield in locations such as Switzerland, Turkey, Italy and South Africa.

Plein Air Printmaking

4 days individual tuition for £270

This Plein Air experience of mobile printmaking takes us out into the wilds of Cornwall.

With the use of the mobile workshop facilities we will be working directly in the landscape preparing, making and proofing images without leaving our chosen location.

Two printing presses will be available enabling us to experiment with a number of Printmaking processes, such as engraving and drypoint, etching, woodblock and
monoprinting techniques. Tuition is made available on an individual basis to further encourage your preferred approach. The beauty of this experience allows people to work at their own pace. Most people will return home with the experience of 4 different printmaking processes and multiple proofs showing the process, a final finished proof and sometimes part edition ready for sale in their next exhibition.

This four day printmaking experience is suitable for beginners and specialists alike...

For accomodation details, please contact Oli.

Please do not hesitate to contact Oliver for advice on materials.

 

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Contact Oliver to make a booking for the Plein Air Printmaking Course