Wood Engraving with Letterpress

Adult Workshop | This program has been canceled

New Offering! All levels welcome.

4/9/2018-5/14/2018

6:30 PM-9:30 PM EDT on Mon

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$175.00

$155.00

$35.00

Combine your own image with text to create an editioned print, bookplate, or card. We’ll achieve this by creating wood engravings and printing them alongside of moveable type using Fleisher’s small proofing press and newly revitalized antique platen press.

Wood engraving is a relief process that involves using engraving tools to carve into the endgrain of dense wood. This differs from woodcuts in that woodcuts are carved from plank grain using gouges, knives, and chisels. The difference allows the artist to create highly detailed images that can be printed many times.

No previous carving or printing experience is necessary, but patience, good eyesight, and a steady hand are very helpful.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN THIS COURSE
1. Students Will Learn Registration Methods – Methods For Accurately Lining Up Layers Of Color On Their Prints
2. Students Will Learn About Tools And Care Of Tools
3. Students Will Learn About The Qualities Of Various Types Of Wood
4. Students Will Learn The Proper Way To Hold, Maintain, And Use Carving Tools And Gain Experience Carving
5. Students Will Learn To Plan A Color Print By Working Reductively And With Multiple Blocks To Create Their Images
6. Students Will Learn About Signing And Editioning Their Prints
7. Students Will Learn About Resources For Relief Printmaking Supplies
8. Students Will Become Familiar With The Vocabulary Associated With Relief Printmaking
9. Students Will Learn How To Adjust The Pressure On And Safely Use An Etching Press To Make Their Impressions

  • Your woodblock will be provided as part of your lab fee, along with tools.

  • START THE TERM WITH THESE SUPPLIES:
  • • An idea in the form of a color sketch or photograph
  • • 1 block of ¼” shina plywood 8 x 10 inches (included in lab fee)
  • • Tracing paper
  • • Sketching paper
  • • Pencil
  • • Newsprint pad 11” x 14” or larger
  • • Paper for printing - We will discuss types of paper suitable for relief printing in class
  • • Optional - 1 set of wood cutting tools that includes a knife, u-gouge, and chisel (see recommendations below).

  • MIDWAY THROUGH THE SEMESTER STUDENTS WILL NEED THESE SUPPLIES:
  • 2-4 pieces of unmounted battleship gray linoleum or shina plywood (your choice). Do not use easycut, rubber, or mounted linoleum.
  • Advice regarding the purchase of carving tools:
  • Some carving tools will be made available for use during class, but many students prefer to purchase their own so they can carve outside of class.
  • Below are some resources for purchasing tools:
  • • Niji sets are available at the school store. This is an economical, set of low quality, but usable tools that cost approximately $15.00 per set.
  • • A higher quality set of 5 tools made by Powergrip is available from Amazon for only $25.67 (link below). This set is good for beginner to intermediate carvers, and printmakers on the go.
  • • A wide selection of tools for beginners through professional carvers can be purchased from McClain’s Printmaking Supplies. They sell tools individually, or as sets.
  • Lab fees include the use of some inks, modifiers, solvents, paper towels, and one wood block. The lab fee does not include paper costs.

  • Items marked with an * are available for purchase in Fleisher’s school store. Members receive a 10% discount on art supply purchases.