classes4u - Magenta Sky

MAGENTA SKY DESIGN
CLASSES4U
BESPOKE PRINTMAKING AND CREATIVE
COURSES – DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND!
MAGENTAsky
create learn make
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General Info about Classes4U
Our 2-hour to full day classes/workshops
are fun and friendly art classes, designed to
introduce some basic printmaking processes
and techniques that you can continue
at home after the class has finished. Each
session begins with a clear demonstration
on a particular technique or topic, followed
by plenty of time to then explore and
experiment, with guidance and help at
every stage.
For most of our courses, basic tools and materials are included in the booking price – we
just ask you to bring along yourself and a few ideas! Where this is different, the course
information will tell you so.
Who Are Classes4U Suitable For?
• Individuals – providing 1-2-1 tuition tailored just for you
• Couples or small groups – why not join up with one or two others and we can teach a
workshop in your home, studio or your venue of choice
• Art Groups or Societies – run a regular art group or sewing club that fancies trying
something different? Why not book us to come along and teach a new subject?
• Run a gallery, shop, craft centre or arts trail? We have worked with many art centres
and galleries to run workshops themed to exhibitions or just something new to satisfy
your captive audience.
• Student Groups – We offer discounted rates for students over the age of 16 and other
concessions. Book a group of 4 or more and you can get your class at a great rate!
How Does It Work?
If you would like Susan Yeates of Magenta Sky to come to you and run a course, all you
need to do is chose a workshop topic, come up with a few suggested dates and contact
us to find out more. We can then give you a free quote either on a per person or total fee
basis.
If we don’t have exactly the right workshop for you or you need something specific e.g.
you are running an exhibition and want a workshop to accompany it, then we can
provide you with some new suggestions for courses.
We do ask for a 25% deposit to secure your booking with full payment required before
the course begins. Early booking is recommended as we do get booked up quite quickly
(especially on weekends).
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Email: info@magenta-sky.com
Sample Classes4U
Below we have listed a selection of printing courses that you can choose from. They are
divided into Introductory Workshops, Exploratory Workshop and ‘Make Something.’ We
have tried to provide loads of ideas here for workshop topics, but if this seems like too
much to choose, from please just email us instead on info@magenta-sky.com.
Section 1: Introductory Workshops
This collection of workshops will introduce various printmaking techniques. Great for
beginners as the primary focus for each workshop will be learning and practicing the
technique. Introductory courses work well as short 2-4 hour sessions.
1A. Exploring Monoprinting
In this class we will explore the different types
of marks that can be made through the
technique of monoprinting. Monoprinting
involves rolling ink onto a glass surface and
then drawing into it in various ways to create
an image. Monoprints are one-off prints,
although you can re-print a lighter second
print and even experiment with layering and
painting further layers of ink on top.
1B. Drawing for Print
For all of you out there who don’t think
drawing is your strong point, think again.
This whole session will be focused around
creating interesting drawings to use as
subject matter for printmaking and also using
printmaking as a sketching tool. The focus of
this class will be to experiment and create
a bank of interesting marks, shapes and
drawings through a completely taught
drawing class. Drawings will be made onto paper in various ways, as well as using
monoprint and directly onto the printing plates. Please bring along an object or series of
objects of your choice to work from.
1C. Introduction to Woodcut
Woodcut is a type of relief printing created
by using a piece of wood as the block that
you cut into using metal gouges. With relief
printing, the material that is removed does
not print, therefore making it a negative
mark-making technique. Once the cuts have
been made the wood block is inked up using
a roller and then printed onto paper. Again
printing using a woodcut can be done
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without a printing press. This class will be a short introduction to the technique including
preparing and printing a small woodcut print.
1D. Introduction to Drypoint
Drypoint is one of the simplest `intaglio`
methods of printmaking, and a great
introduction into printing in this way. The
technique involves using a metal point to
scratch into the plate, creating a linear
image, which can be inked up and printed.
In this class we will work specifically from a
photograph using two same-sized Perspex
plates, to create a multi-layered print.
We will use oil-based inks during this lesson and explore registration, and accurately
layering two different layers to produce a final print. Please bring along a 6x4 photograph
to work from.
1E. Introduction to Relief Printing Workshop
This one-day workshop will explore relief
printing with a press onto paper. Relief
printing is a collection of negative techniques
where the block e.g. wood/lino, is cut into
and the area that is uncut is what prints.
The final print will be a ‘mirror image’ of the
original plate. We will look at some example
work, show you how to prepare your image,
cut the lino or wood, apply ink and most
importantly get printing! Each technique will be clearly explained and demonstrated
followed by plenty of time to experiment.
1F. Introduction to Wood Engraving
This workshop will provide a complete
introduction to wood engraving. Wood
engraving involves carving into the endgrain of a piece of wood (such as boxwood)
using very fine, specialist-engraving tools. It is
a form of relief printing but done on smaller,
higher-quality blocks of wood and with
accurate chisel-like tools. We will explain how
to prepare your image, transfer it onto the
wood, make marks with the different tools, create light and shade and finally print your
small images. Alternative blocks will also be discussed and the technique is great for
working at home in a small space.
1G. Introduction to Relief Printing Workshop
This afternoon printmaking workshop will focus learning what linocutting is and producing
simple black and white prints. 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. It is a
negative technique where the cuts that you make do not print. We will work through
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several printmaking exercises exploring the
varying qualities of lines that can be made
and which tools you need to make them.
Section 2: Exploratory Workshops
A step up from the Introductory Workshops and suitable for beginners as well as
experienced printmakers, this collection of workshops will aim to develop your printmaking
skills a little further. These workshops allow for a little more development of your
printmaking skills through either practice exercises, a focus on subject matter or working
as a team to produce a group piece of work. All these workshops can be delivered as
half-day or full-day sessions or developed into a two-day in-depth masterclass for those of
you really wanting time to practice your skills.
2A. Mark-Making in Linocut - Printmaking Workshop
This half-day printmaking workshop will focus
on mark-making for linocut printing. 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. It is a
negative technique where the cuts that you
make do not print. We will work through
several printmaking exercises throughout the afternoon exploring the varying qualities of
lines that can be made and which tools you need to make them. This will include a markmaking sampler. We will also explore different ways to interpret an image through relief
print, cutting the block, transferring a design and also how to print by hand, with no need
for a press. No previous experience of printmaking is necessary – just bring along a few
ideas or images to work with and we will help you do the rest. Materials provided.
2B. Woodcut and Wood Engravinging Workshop
This printmaking workshop will introduce
and explore the similarities and differences
between woodcut and wood engraving.
Woodcut involves cutting into the side plank
of a piece of wood using gouges often
creating bold designs. Wood engraving is
much finer and involves carving into the
end-grain. We will explain how to prepare
images, transfer them onto the wood, make
marks with the different tools and produce a selection of finished prints to take home.
Both techniques are great for working at home in a small space. All materials provided
and suitable for all levels.
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2C. Relief Printing with a Press - Printmaking Workshops
This one-day workshop will explore relief
printing with a press onto paper. Relief
printing is a collection of negative techniques
where the block e.g. wood/lino, is cut into
and the area that is uncut is what prints.
The final print will be a ‘mirror image’ of the
original plate. We will look at some example
work, show you how to prepare your image,
cut the lino or wood, apply ink and most
importantly get printing! Each technique will be clearly explained and demonstrated
followed by plenty of time to experiment.
2D. ‘From Photo to Print...’ - Drypoint and Monopoint
One Day Workshop
This workshop will focus on creating
interesting prints from photographs.
Techniques used will include drypoint (as an
intro. to intaglio) and monoprint. Please bring
along source material to work from (photos)
and turn into prints. The two contrasting
printmaking techniques will result in very
varied prints of the photographed subject
matter, illustrating the different marks
produced by the two methods. Ideal for anyone who wishes to find new ways to
experiment with printmaking or learn how to use photographs in a unique way.
2E. Working with Woodcut - Big Bold Prints
With tutor Susan Yeates, this one-day
printmaking workshop will teach the
fundamentals of how to create your own
woodcut print (a technique made famous by
the German Expressionists). A woodcut print
is created by cutting areas out of a wooden
block to create a design, which is then inked
and printed. We will look at some example
work, show you how to prepare, cut the
block, apply ink in various ways and most importantly get printing! After working on a
small scale for the morning session we will move to working on big pieces of wood to
create big bold woodcut prints! Susan will have a relief press available to produce your
prints as well as hand-burnishing. All materials and hand-outs provided. Please bring along
a selection of images, photos or a sketchbook to work from.
2F. Repeat Pattern - Block Printing Workshop
This one day workshop will look at the way block printing (from small lino and wood
blocks) can be used to create much larger patterns culminating in the creation of a
larger print or hand printed wrapping paper or fabric. We will explore the different ways
that repeat patterns are structured and try various combinations before producing final
prints. All prints / wrapping paper will be printed by hand and the blocks can be taken
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home for future use. We will also bring
along a selection of already carved Indian
woodblocks to try out. All materials included.
2G. Colour Linocut Workshop (Reduction Technique)
An introduction to colour relief printing from
lino blocks using the ‘reduction method’. This
technique allows for several colours to be
printed in sequence from the same block,
which is progressively cut away as each
colour is printed. Reduction printing is a quick
and economical way of achieving complex
colour prints without the need for separating
out the colour elements onto several blocks.
The workshop will explain preparing an image, registration, cutting the block and finally
printing with or without a press. The process can easily be reproduced or continued
at home once the workshop has finished. No previous experience of printmaking is
necessary – just bring along a few ideas or images to work with and we will help you do
the rest. Materials provided.
2H. Linocut Study Day - Image Interpretation and Registration
This full day workshop will enable students to
really explore how to interpret images into
successful linocuts. We will look at different
ways to translate designs into print either as
black and white images or multiple colour
prints. We suggest that students bring along
a selection of designs they want to work with
and we can give some tailored assistance in
developing those designs into prints. We will
also here explore registration i.e. the way we make the multiple colours on a print line up
properly. All tools and materials provided. Max 6 students for this workshop due to tailored
nature of the class.
2I. Linocut Masterclass - Working with Colour Through the
Reduction Technique
This full-day masterclass with printmaker
Susan Yeates provides an exploration info
colour relief printing from lino blocks using the
‘reduction method’. This reduction technique
allows for several colours to be printed in
sequence from the same block, which is
progressively cut away as each colour is
printed. Reduction printing is a quick and
economical way of achieving complex
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colour prints without the need for separating out the colour elements onto several blocks.
It also takes a little while to get your head around it and achieve successful results, so we
have dedicated a full day to just this!
The workshop will start by showing example works, explaining the technique and then
working on your own designs to prepare for cutting the different colours. We will look at
transferring your design onto the lino and how to cut the block. Within the day we will
look at registration, which is essential to make sure that all your colours lino up and we
will be printing with or without a press (your choice). At the end of the day students will
have completed a 2-3 colour reduction print. There is plenty of time to ask questions, get
individual help and also see example works. The process of reduction printing can easily
be reproduced or continued at home once the workshop has finished.
Please bring along a few ideas or images to work with and we will help you to convert
these into beautiful reduction prints. Materials provided including access to a relief
printing press for the day. It helps if you have carried out lino printing before or been to
one of Susan’s beginner workshops, but basics will be covered if you are a beginner and
do fancy joining us!
2J. A Patchwork Print - Group Printmaking Workshop
In this 4-hour workshop, students will create
a group ‘patchwork’ print from individual
elements created by themselves. Lino
blocks will be used to create the individual
elements to the patchwork, focusing on a
subject matter of the students choice. One
colour and several colour ‘patches’ will be
developed. This interesting and challenging
group workshop is a great way to interact
with other artists, to share ideas and work as a team on this specific project. No
printmaking experience is necessary and all materials are provided. Each student will be
able to take away a full complete print as well as individual prints of their lino blocks.
2K. Printing from Nature
Using nature as our inspiration this intensive
afternoon workshop will focus on generating
a series of prints from nature. Each student
will be asked to bring along a collection of
natural objects such as flowers, fruit, leaves
etc to work from. By using basic drawing
excercises, direct printing from the natural
objects and finally a small woodcut print, a
series of experimental and free prints will be
developed. All prints will be printed without a printmaking press using a wooden spoon or
similar tool and therefore work can be continued at home after the workshop ends.
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2L. Images of...
In this workshop, students will focus on
creating interesting and sensitive prints from
location drawing and photography around
a local town or venue Techniques used
will include drypoint (as an introduction to
intaglio) and monoprinting. After taking
photographs and drawings for the morning
session 10.30-12.00, the workshop will transfer
to the studio to develop these images into
prints. The two contrasting printmaking techniques will result in a series of varied prints
of your location, illustrating the very different marks produced by the two methods. This
workshop is ideal for anyone who enjoys drawing and sketching, photography or simply
enjoys studying architecture, gardens and atmosphere.
Section 3: Make Something
This collection of fun workshops use printmaking to produce a gift or product that you will
finish during the workshops and be able to take home with you at the end.
3A. Printmaking for Greeting Cards
This workshop is the perfect opportunity to
learn or practice your linocutting and make
some high quality, interesting greetings cards
at the same time. The workshop will focus on
developing and creating a series of different
designs and patterns that then can be
printed or mounted onto cards. We will show
you how to prepare your image, cut the
block, prepare for printing and most
importantly print your cards. All specialist materials provided (including cards) but we
recommend you bring along some images and ideas. Workshop can be tailored to
seasonal themes such as ‘Easter Cards’ or ‘Christmas Cards’.
3B. Block Printing onto Fabric
Learn how to make your own linocut block
for printing onto fabric. We will show you how
to transfer your design, cut out the image
and finally print onto fabric.
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3C. Canvas Bag Decoration
In this workshop we will create small designs
for relief blocks and then print these onto
canvas bags.
3D. Wrapping Paper and Gift Tags
Working with repeating pattern designs,
this workshop will explore creating
some handmade wrapping paper and
accompanying gift tags.
3E. Jam Jar Labels
In this workshop we will use small linocut
designs to make the labels and covers
for jam jars.
3F. Tea Towels
Using block printing for fabric, we will create hand designed tea towels – great for gifts
and for those of you who love the kitchen!
3G. Book Illustration
In this full day workshop we will work to illustrate a book. This can either be a single piece
that illustrates a section of a book or the cover or we can work as a group to create a
series of illustrations that are then put together as a whole book.
3H. Baby Quilt
In this workshop (ideal for baby showers) we look at creating individual patches that can
then be sewn together to form a mini quilt for a baby.
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Approximate Prices for Classes4U
(Group Rates, Concessions and Multiple Booking Discounts are available – this is a
standard price for guidance only).
2 - 3 Hour Classes
Adults: £20 per person
4 Hour Workshops
Adults: £30 per person
6 Hour Workshops
Adults: £45 per person
Please call to discuss details – fee structure can also be based on a one off teaching fee
plus materials instead of per person.
About Magenta Sky
Magenta Sky Design and Printmaking was formed
in 2003 by artist Susan Yeates to provide a variety
of art courses and workshop to adults of all levels
and abilities. We just love making ‘stuff’ and have
expanded from teaching printmaking techniques to
textiles, crafts and other creative projects! Sharing
our knowledge, ideas and motivating others to be
creative is what we are all about. At Magenta Sky,
we gain inspiration from a huge variety of sources…
the world at large, fabric shops, exhibitions, car
boot sales, photographs, other artists, magazines,
books, people and places. Sometimes even a word
or phrase will give us new inspiration for a piece of
textiles to make, a print to produce or a workshop to
teach!
Contact Details:
Mobile: 07930 856581
Email: info@magenta-sky.com
www.magenta-sky.com
Please call Susan on 07930 856581 or email info@magenta-sky.com
to find our more information about Classes 4u or make a booking!
Thank you!
www.magenta-sky.com
Email: info@magenta-sky.com