Introduction to Relief Printing

Introduction to Relief Printing 

February 1, 8, 15, 22 - 12 - 3pm

$240 per person

Instructor Scip Barnhart

In studio class for adults and teens 16+ with adult supervision

This course is designed for beginning students who wish to experience traditional hands on relief printmaking techniques/methods and materials. 

The objective of this class will be learning and practicing proper cutting and printing techniques when using linoleum to produce relief prints. Relief refers to the process of cutting away parts of the surface and then inking what remains of the surface of the block or plate. This class will use linoleum as the block.

Students will complete 3 projects during this class and leave with an understanding of plate preparation, image transfer, registration techniques, safe cutting, printing with black and white as well as multi color, and clean up procedures. We will explore simple printmaking methods/techniques which will lead to a greater understanding of the more complex side of printmaking. We will be printing black and white images as well as a multi color image.

• The first project is creating a 'test' image to learn skills
• The second project is a four color reduction copy of a Picasso linocut
• The third project is combining skills learned to produce a multi-colored large format self-portrait​​​​​​​

If students complete their projects, space, and some supplies will be able to work on personal designs and experiment with printing on alternative materials such as fabric. 

This is an introductory class - no artistic skills or design expertise is needed.

IMPORTANT – Participants  MUST pay strict attention to lectures concerning safe cutting methods and the procedure for using printing presses and solvents.

Lectures and demos are an important part of this class and are usually given at the beginning of each class. Therefore promptness, or being on time, is very important. 

No texting or personal use of cellphones in class. If you must take a call or make a call, please do so outside of class. 

Listening to personal music is permitted, but you must be able to hear the instructor if he calls on you. Handheld devices and wire connected earphones are not permitted while using the printing presses. 

Basic materials and supplies for the class are provided. Paper and materials for additional printing can be purchased through FBAC.

About Relief Printing

Examples of relief printing from wood blocks onto cloth dates back to the 5th century in China. Relief printing as an art form on paper dates back the 13th-14th century in western art. Its development coincides with the western world’s introduction to other traditional Chinese arts and skills such as handmade paper (which was invented in 2nd century China). In 1855 Linoleum was invented as a material

Linoleum was invented in 1855 to be used as a hard floor covering. It was the mid-20th century before it was used for relief printing. Linoleum is easier to cut and easier to print than wood and is ideal for an introduction to printmaking.

Note

We set our pricing to pay our instructors a fair wage and cover materials, but one of FBAC’s goals is to give access to the experience of all things bookbinding and printing to anyone who is interested. If you or someone you know would like to participate in a class but do not have the funding please reach out to us at contact@frederickbookarts.org