Upcoming workshops

Workshop FAQ 

What exactly is Lino printing? 

Lino printing is the art of carving a design from a sheet or ‘block’ of material. Sometimes flooring linoleum is used, which is where this method gets in name from. The carved lino is rolled with ink, which only transfers to the areas left when the design was cut away. The inked block is pressed onto paper and the image is transferred. This is a lino print! 

 

Why do I need workshop to learn how to do it? 

In all honesty, you probably don’t. There are lots of good books and video tutorials out there, which you could use to teach yourself. However, teaching yourself can be slow progress, and you can make lots of costly mistakes. And sometimes painful ones - lino cutters are sharp! Its is best to learn how to use them safely from the outset. If you learn alone you will need to invest in equipment and materials before you know whether its really the media for you. The advantages of learning in a workshop are that you get to try out techniques and materials, without having to buy things you might not want to use again. You also get expert tuition which is specific to YOUR design, and YOUR printing technique. This can help you to learn much faster, and make better progress. But most importantly, learning in-person with other people is fun. Participants make friends,  and gain ideas and inspiration from each other. A workshop is a lovely, productive, creative, supportive environment in which to try out new ideas and techniques. 

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Why are your workshops expensive? 

I don’t currently have a dedicated studio in which I can run printing workshops so I am paying to hire a room to run your session. The cost of the workshop covers the room hire, all materials and equipment needed to fully take part in the workshop, as well as refreshments. I try to keep the group sizes small in order that everyone can benefit from tailored one-to-one tuition during the class, ensuring all participants benefit from my time and experience. 

 

Why should I choose you as my tutor?

I’m a fully qualified teacher, with 19 years experience of teaching Art & Design to adults and in Further Education. For 17 years I taught at a leading sixth-form college with exceptional printmaking facilities and results.  Since 2018 I have been creating and selling my design work under my own name, including many lino prints. 

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What happens at one of your workshops? What can I expect? 

As a participant in one of my workshops, you can expect to receive an email from me prior to the event, giving you the exact address, notes on where to park etc. and what we a re aiming to achieve on the day. I also include links to some images you can look at, so that you arrive inspired and full of ideas! There is always also some imagery in the workshop that you can look at, to help you out. Usually you will practise and experiment with the cutters and the marks they can create before  designing and carving your final prints you can do with confidence. Workshops numbers are kept low, so you have time to get to know each other and ask questions. There is a section of Teas, coffee and biscuits and homemade cake provided! 

 

What will I need to bring with me? 

I would recommend you bring an apron if you have one, and its best to wear old clothes, and tie up long hair.  For a full-day workshop, although refreshments are provided, you will need to bring your own lunch with you, and you may want a water bottle. You are very welcome to bring sketches, designs, photographs, magazine cuttings etc that you want to use as inspiration for you print design. 

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