Introduction to Printmaking

A Practical Printmaking Course!

Based on 'live' printmaking class and workshops delivered by Susan Yeates of Magenta Sky, our flagship Introduction to Printmaking course is the perfect first step to explore printmaking for the first time or to expand on existing skills.

We have been delivering this course to students across the UK for over 7 years in the form of a hard copy manual, and after months of development (and a little hard work!) have listened to student feedback and moved online!

What do we mean by 'moved online'?

Well, after surveying a number of existing and potential students we found a real demand for tuition videos to accompany the course and for students overseas to join in the fun!

We therefore needed a better way to deliver the course... and so our online learning portal was born! A mixture of the traditional and the new - instant access to the course manual as downloadable PDFs (with all the same step-by-step guides as before) but NEW added instructional videos to really bring this practical art to life! (plus we have added a new module too!)

Flexible Tuition and Support

Join Susan Yeates, an experienced tutor from Magenta Sky, for this unique and popular printmaking course that has introduced students from all over the world to creating original prints. The course allows each student to develop at their own pace and is carefully designed to allow you to study whenever you want and from the comfort of your own home.

Enrol Today for Instant Access to Course Materials and Videos

By enrolling on the course today, you gain instant access to the online learning portal where you will find all of your course materials and guidance. This flagship Introduction to Printmaking distance learning course can be enrolled on at any time of year and will get you producing amazing prints in no time at all. No entry requirements!

Practical Demo Videos Combined With Written Instructions

This online course in printmaking blends our traditional written instruction manual (now downloadable as PDFs) with brand new demonstration videos of every technique. There is also a private student support group on Facebook where you can share your work and experiences with other students. Plus plenty of tips, resources, optional assessments and added extras!

About Printmaking

This introductory module welcomes you to the course, explaining who we are, what printmaking is and a brief history. We also explain here the how the course works.

Module 1

Studio Space and Materials

Before starting your work, we will discuss here setting aside some space in your home (or similar) to create your own studio space. We also talk about materials and what you will need to start printmaking.

Module 2

Drawing for Print and Research

This module helps you to start gathering ideas, drawings and lots of research so that you have subject matter to work with for the following technique-based modules.

Module 3

Monoprinting 1

Monoprinting is a fairly simple technique that involves rolling out or drawing with ink on to a printing surface/plate and creating a mark in several ways.

Module 4

Monoprinting 2

This second module on monoprinting explores it just a little further. It can be a very painterly and free way of printing and if you have previous experience of painting this technique may suit your style of working.

Module 5

Collograph and Found Object Printing

This printmaking technique uses collage and found objects to create and print very textural and free prints. Collograph (collage prints) are simple relief prints created from printing from a collage block.

Module 6

Linocut

Linocut is a form of relief printing that uses linoleum as the printing block (a composite flooring material made from cork and linseed oil with a hessian backing). This is then cut into using v tools or gouges to create an image.

Module 7

Woodcut

Woodcut is another relief printing technique that is created from cutting out areas of a printing block to produce a design. The method is a negative one and the final image will always be a mirror image of the cut block.

Module 8

Advanced Relief Printing

Building on the previous two modules, module 8 explains printing using more than one colour including using the reduction technique and the ‘key block’ system.

Module 9

Experimental Relief Printing

Experimenting and developing relief printing further including different materials for the block, stencils and incorporating monoprint.

Module 10

Drypoint

A simple intaglio form of printing that can be printed by hand. This is a very linear printmaking method which the course explores using simple perspex sheets to draw into.

Module 11

Simple Screenprinting

The course explores 3 different simple methods to create stencils for use with screenprinting, including found objects, paper stencils and hand-painted stencils.

Module 12

Wood Engraving (NEW)

Wood engraving is our new module for 2015. Here we show you how to carry out wood engraving into small blocks of endgrain wood.

Module 13

What’s Next

After all the technique modules we conclude the course by explaining some other techniques not explored in the course and show you where you could go next to develop your printmaking skills.

Extras...

Reading List & Ebook

We also throw in several bonus features such as a detailed reading list and our e-book ‘Profit from Printmaking’. Don’t forget also our online Facebook support group to network with other students, get feedback and share ideas.