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 - Devoran in 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 £250

This Plein Air experience of mobile printmaking takes us out into the wilds of Cornwall. Our host location, Killigarth House, Devoran is a 25 minutes drive from numerous
exciting landscapes on both the South and North coast with many waterways and gardens in between.

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...

5 nights Bed & Breakfast at Killigarth House, Devoran for £190

Killigarth House in Devoran is a private family home
situated on the River Fal enjoying far reaching views over the estuary and farmland beyond. It provides friendly and comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation.

B&B guests are invited to arrive at Killigarth House around 6pm on Sunday the 18th July 2010

A light lunch is also provided in the Bed & Breakfast price. Just two minutes walk away is “The Old Quay Inn” in the village of Devoran, which provides delicious evening meals. Killigarth House provides a relaxed base for you to enjoy your printmaking holiday.

Plein air Printmaking

4 days individual tuition for £250

On the evening of your arrival at Killigarth House, Oliver and host Sarah will be on the terrace to welcome you and over a glass of wine and a map discuss the potential
itinerary. Each morning decisions for the day will be made around the kitchen table with a cup of coffee.
Weather conditions and individual requests will help shape each day’s experience. With this decision made we aim to leave each day by 9.30 in the morning and normally return back to Killigarth House by around 5.30 in the evening to continue with production of plates or to take a walk along the Estuary.Materials will be available to purchase as used. The average daily cost for materials is around £8 per day, but please feel free to bring your own preferred arts materials as well as an A3 sketchpad and a range of pencils eg: H + B + 2B + 6B + EE pencils, however this is not an essential requirement.

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