Introduction to Monotype Printmaking with Jo Lankester

Introduction to Monotypes was a great workshop with some fantastic prints created. I started with a demonstration on how to roll etching ink evenly on a perspex plate for a variety of monotype techniques and processes including direct drawing, reductive, additive, and multi-coloured layering. Monotypes are most commonly created using and combing drawing and painting. Information can be developed in both additive and reductive approaches, much the same way as marks can be drawn or erased in a drawing.We experimented with printing by hand and using an etching press.  

The workshop consisted of absolute beginners and intermediate artists. I must admit I just love the expressions on the faces of absolute beginners when they pull their first successful print; it is very satisfying as a teacher to see this.

We were blessed to have Lydia Fegan a visiting artist from Warringa Print Studio attend the workshop. She made a stunning two colour monotype using a combination of both reductive and additive approach.

This is the third and final introduction printmaking workshop as part of May Month of Learning organised by City Libraries, Townsvile City Council. The workshops were held at Umbrella Studio of Contemporary Arts.

Yellow Ochre & Transparency Etching ink

Jo Lankester rolling up with Etching Ink.

Applying a reductive Monotype process.

Demonstrating rolling etching ink out evenly on the perspex plate

Mixing a transparent black

Jo Lankester, MT Stuart Grass Trees lV, Layering Monotype

 Photography by Angela Cheung

Exquisite Corpse Monotype Printmaking Birthday Party

Exquisite Corpse also known as exquisite cadaver (from the original French term cadavre exquis) or rotating corpse is a method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, either by following a rule or by being allowed to see the end of what the previous person contributed.

This Surrealist began using the technique in 1925 in drawings and later collage.

Exquisite Corpse Monotype Printmaking Birthday Party each guest drew an animal or imaginative animal  head, torso and legs contributing to 10 separate exquisite Corpse prints, once completed they covered up their drawing leaving a little bit at the bottom exposed for the next little artist to carry on the drawing. They moved between print station, a bit like musical chairs until each exquisite Corpse was complete. Each guest took home a unique Exquisite Corpse print of
 their own.

Technique: Direct Drawing & Subtracting Monotype Printmaking

What is a monotype and how is it made?
A monotype is a hand-pulled, unique original print made by developing an image on a plate, often, but not necessarily, a flat piece of plastic. The image is created by adding and subtracting ink. The artist uses rollers, called brayers, and any number of other tools to lay colour on the plate, remove or interfere with it. The colour must be added in very thin layers because the pressure of the press will push it and smear it if the ink is too thick.

Sophie's10th Birthday Party

For Bookings please leave a comment below and I will be in touch.

Warmly,
Jo Lankester

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking with Jo Lankester

Introduction to Linocut Printmaking with Jo Lankester

The second introductory printmaking workshop in a series of three as part of the Townsville City Council’s May Month of Learning was a heap of fun.  We had a full class with a mix of beginners and artists wanting to refresh their skills or expand their skills base in the area of Relief Printmaking.

We explored transferring images to the lino block using handmade transfer paper, carbon paper and direct transfer from pencil or charcoal drawings. We also drew directly onto the block with charcoal, pencil and permanent marker.

Richard Lane

Dominie Hooper

Sylvia Hewitt & Andrea Stuart

Tip of the day: Rubbing a little red acrylic paint into the surface of the lino block prior to drawing or transferring the image. This made it easy to see the areas being cut away which are white when printed.

Thinking about learning how to create a Monotype? Join me today at Umbrella Studio from 10am-3pm, $75

Happy Printing,
Jo Lankester

Drypoint Etching: Introductory Workshop with Jo Lankester

May Month of Learning is an initiative of the City Libraries, Townsville City Council. Brush & Press Studio has being involved in the program of events for the past three years introducing printmaking to a whole new audience. This introductory class celebrated my first printmaking workshop in our new print studio at Umbrella Studio of Contemporary Arts. 

 

The workshop was a lot of fun and we produced some lovely delicate drypoints on plastic etching plates using sandpaper and drypoint tools.

Drypoint Etching -A printmaking technique of the intaglio family, in which an image is incised into the plate with a sharp metal or diamond tipped tool. Traditionally the plate used was copper, but now plastic drypoint plates, zinc, aluminium & Perspex are commonly used. Drypoint is an easy printmaking technique to learn for its immediacy and similarities to drawing, the technique of using a drypoint needle is like using a pencil. Through scratching the plate a line and bur is created to hold ink.

Valerie Stevens, Sylvia Hewitt, Richard Free, Jo Lankester & Colin Giardina Photography by Angela Chueng

Jo Lankester demonstrating inking a plate with card. Photography by Angela Chueng

Sylvia Hewitt. Photography by Angela Chueng

 Photography by Angela Chueng

If you would like to try something new come along to our next printmaking class and discover the art of Relief Printing

Linocut: A printmaking technique, a variant of woodcut in which a sheet of linoleum (sometimes mounted on a wooden block) is used for the relief surface. A design is cut into the linoleum surface with a sharp knife, V-shaped chisel or gouge, with the raised (uncarved) areas representing a reversal (mirror image) of the parts to show printed. The linoleum sheet is inked with a roller (called a brayer), and then impressed onto paper or fabric. The actual printing can be done by hand or with a press.
What to bring: Any drawings, pictures or found object which may inspire you. Enclosed shoes must be worn at all times, and lunch.

Date: Thursday 9th May
Time: 10am - 3pm
Where: Umbrella Studio 482 Flinders St, Townsville, Qld 4812
Cost: $75