This versatile process is suitable for almost any kind of image, including words and text. While learning the exposure process, students will be free to experiment with creating a variety of images, from simple to more complex. Any written words or text can be exposed onto a plate and then printed out in the correct (readable) orientation. Writing and imagery can be combined. Students can draw or paint or collage their work or use their photographs to print from. Images can be printed with ink, in one or more colors, or without, as a blind embossing for an elegant shadow effect.

We will work with non-toxic, water-based inks to ensure safety for the environment and the participants.

The intent of this class is to teach the very accessible technical aspects of the process in an atmosphere of fun and guided experimentation. Students will end the four-day class with small editions of their prints and an increased understanding of the world of printmaking.

Supply List

• Apron or workshirt. This is really necessary for printmaking!
• Sketch pad for ideas
• Notebook or paper to take notes (you will want to take notes)
• Transparencies with images, if desired (this will be explained in a special email to participants)
• India ink or other inks (black only!) to draw or write with onto workable acetate. You will not get fine lettering lines this way, but can write words and letters and other images.
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Markers like a Sharpie or India ink Marker; black only
• Black Stabilo pencil (Aquarelle), if you have one
• Tools to make marks into wet ink. I have relegated some of my old calligraphy pens to this use and will demonstrate. Automatic pens, regular pens, etc. You will probably not ruin them with this water-based ink, but I don’t promise that.
• Toothbrushes, chopsticks, color shapers, tongue depressors, stimudents, paste paper
• Different kinds of tools to pull through the ink; all these are good tools to make designs and letters with: toothbrushes, chopsticks, color shapers, tongue depressors, stimudents, etc.
• A cheap roll of wax paper is good to tear into sheets to put in between the prints for transport home
• If you have workable acetate you could bring some of that; don’t go buy it, however, as I will be bringing some along so you could just purchase what you need.
• If you have some paste paper you might want to print on, bring it and any other kind of paper you want to play with. Many of you have Arches text wove around: that and rice papers can be printed on. Stonhenge, Rives BFK, and Hahnemuhle Copperplate paper all work well. So does cold press (90 lb or 140 lb) watercolor paper. Also, some people like a paper called Arches 88 with these water based inks. Trying to tell you amounts is hard ahead of time because it is going to depend on your work pace. I will try to get the conference’s supply store to carry appropriate papers.
• Those driving could bring some old newspapers for inking plates on, that would supplement what I am bringing.
• A roll of sturdy paper towels or a few cotton rags
• Scissors
• X-acto knife
• Masking tape
• Removable Scotch tape
• T-square or long metal ruler for tearing paper

Note: if any of these supplies create problems for people traveling by air, know that there will be some communal supplies and future communications will clarify that.

Supply fee: $10 for supplies provided by the instructor. We will then be setting up a store for students to purchase plates, paper, acetate, or any other supplies needed. This will vary from person to person depending on how many plates are made. At the time of this writing a 4″ x 5″ plate is $2.25 and a 6″ x 8″ plate is $5. Some 8″ x 10″s for $10 may also be available. These plates can be cut on a paper cutter so students can experiment on smaller pieces.

More about this will be explained to participants when they sign up for the class and potential students can feel free to email me with questions at westernhands@icloud.com.