FAQ's
I can't draw - can I make prints?
Yes! I can't overstate this. Wonderful prints can be made with a focus on colour, pattern or texture. Drawing is a wonderful element of art but not the only element. You'll be amazed what you can create. Absolute beginners are always welcome on my courses
Types of printing explained:
What is Collagraph?
Collagraph means drawing (or printing!) with collage.
It is especially good for making prints that are full of colour and texture.
This short video will give you an overview of the process
What is Drypoint?
This short video gives a brief explaination of what Drypoint printing is and how it works.
Its a lovely way to reproduce drawings as it's great at capturing line and tone
What is Linoprint?
Lino print is a very versatile medium, it can make simple, bold graphic images or highly complex prints
This video tutorial shows a variety of prints made using lino and how a basic lino print is made.
Which Tools?
I have a wide selection of tools available in the class for students to try. Some are beginners tools and some are professional quality. This will help you decide what make you prefer.
Which Rollers/ brayers?
I have found that generally, the more you pay, the better the quality of the roller. They need to be absolutely flat to lay down ink evenly. Cheaper rollers will warp more quickly. I prefer soft rollers over hard rollers and find I can get a cleaner, flatter layer of ink with them. A really good beginners roller is the BLUE handled Esdee roller much better than the red handled roller of the same make.
Which Paper?
Paper is a big topic and there are thousands of types to choose from. Experiment is key. I prefer a smooth paper for picking up maximum detail from prints. Specially designed printing paper has excellent ink absorbancy and will give the best results.
Lino will print on most papers - try with anything you have.
If you're hand burnishing lino, thin paper is easiest to use, 125gsm or less. If you're using a press you can experiment with heavier papers. Awagami factory handmakes a range of beautiful (but expensive!) lino print paper.
In the classes I use 'South bank smooth' paper for lino.
For intaglio printing, the paper is heavyweight (300gsm) - it must be able to withstand soaking in water. I use B&B Etching paper in classes, but if this is difficult to find, you could also use a good quality cartridge paper. Somerset Satin is a high quality etching paper.
Which Inks?
I recommend using good quality ink - cheap, beginner brands are more difficult to use and don't give good results in terms of vibrancy or finished texture. My favourite inks are 'Caligo Safe Wash' relief/etching inks or 'Intaglio Printmaker inks'. These are oil based and washable. I buy them in tubes or cartridges rarther than tins as they last longer this way.
Clean up technique
A short video to demonstrate how I clean up inks with minimal waste and mess
Tutorial videos
These are longer videos giving much more instruction to various techniques.
Please note the kits are no longer available