Notes to Self

Two separate classes –

Thursday March 22^nd

Thursday March 29^th

 This class has two veins. First, each student will engage in a thoughtful one-on-one conversation and critique with the instructor about the direction of your current work; its paths and tributaries, the places that might be worth some exploration to arrive at new and deeper meaning in your art. The second is a stream of demonstrations of printmaking processes that will be specifically designed to help to move you there during the class and more importantly, as you continue to work at your own pace when the class comes to an end. This is a high-impact intermediate to advanced class.  Some knowledge of a specific medium is necessary, as well as a basic familiarity with working in a communal print shop. 

Path from Plate to Print – All Possibilities

Thursday April 12^th

Once you have a plate, be it etched or drypoint copper, there are myriad ways to print it. These are the things that are often overlooked. Shelley will demonstrate the same plate in all manner of print iterations – all with different results and all easy. Lots of times, this is what is missing – how to print the plate! This adventure started when she became a master printer – collaborating with printmakers with how to ultimately arrive at how their plate should be printed. Printing and making plates for the last 30 years, Shelley will include chine colle, relief – surface rolls, as a motif, as a separate element, multiple plate printing, ala poupee, registration techniques, viscosity (monoprint and editioned) stencils, frottage and an introduction to mixed print media. This is an all day demonstration. Ample hand-outs and time to ask questions and take notes.



Honing your Skills

Thursday May 10^th

Hand work is something you can do in your studio, then bring to a shop to proof. Learn how to sharpen a scraper so that it works like butter – it’s easy if you know how to use the tools! Bring all your scrapers, burnishers, drypoint needles, roulettes, mezzotint rockers, electric engravers, sharpening stones demonstrated with plenty of time to practice. If you have them, bring all your tools and some plates and we’ll make them sing!  Printing will be demonstrated.

Then, work on refining skills, proofing and printing throughout the day. Shelley will give special attention meeting with each participant privately, one on one. Plan on imagining the possibilities to map out concrete steps to get your work to next level. Bring plenty of examples – prints, drawings, sketchbook, cds, photos are all helpful.

The Versatile Gelatin Print

Friday May 18 and

Saturday May 19



Gelatin printing most commonly a form of  monoprinting. It has roots in the early part of the last century when it was dubbed the Hectograph. You'll use gelatin plates with water based mediums. The process like magic - simple and versatile and is equally well suited for professional printmakers, professional artists, those wishing to expand their artistic vocabulary. You can paint directly, work in double reverse for ala prima work in direct observation, use and learn of types of printmaking techniques including using stencils, selective color, multiple printings, in a series or on individual prints. The materials are non-toxic, and clean up with water. We'll supply the gelatin plates on trays you bring brushes, waterbased mediums (we can send you a list of the best kinds – but everything works!) Mostly, bring your imagination and be prepared to have fun and make gorgeous prints. Collage, stamping, stencils, overprinting – the possibilities are close to endless. Two day workshop gives plenty of time to learn and experiment. Permanent results, perfect for archival printmaking papers.