Goal: for participants to produce edition(s) of 5 black and white fine-art woodcut prints from their sketch(es) or drawing(s) made “en plein air.” The drawing transfer, block carving, inking and printing can take place on location, depending on the participants’ acquisition of a small, portable table and camp stool, tool box, small portfolio, and collapsing 2-wheeled cart, and, of course, the weather. Otherwise, we will meet in a sheltered area.
Instruction: Participants will be introduced to wood and paper types, carving tools, inks, brayers, and printing tools (printing press not required) used in making woodcut prints. We will discuss how to store and safely transport paper, ink, tools, and equipment so that participants can set up shop in an outside location temporarily, in order to make woodcut prints “en plein air” (weather-dependent).
The cost of woodblocks, ink, proving paper, & supplies are covered in the lab fee. Carving tools are available for use as needed. Participants must bring a sketchbook or paper & pencils to produce a reference drawing for the print. A reference sketch is also necessary to have in advance in case it is not possible to go to an outside location.
Along the way, we will discuss sharpening and honing carving tools, the effects of hardness and porosity of wood, mixing oil-based ink to proper consistency, proper application of ink to the woodblock, hand-printing techniques to achieve desired results, and techniques to repair mistakes. We will also briefly discuss multi-block color prints, and "white line" color woodcut prints, & color reduction woodcut prints. To see more of Michael's works, visit his website: https://michaelkeyesarts.artspan.com/Syllabus:
Week one: On site at Denver Botanic Gardens
Introductions of instructor and students
Introduction to equipment, materials, tools
Demonstration of drawing principles; transferring drawing to block
Students draw “en plein air” design for woodblock
Week two: On site at Denver Botanic Gardens
Students continue/finish drawing
Students transfer drawing to block
Demonstration of carving
Students begin carving
Week three: Demonstration of carving
Students carve block
Demonstration of inking and printing block
Students ink and print block
Week four Demonstration of carving
Demonstration of printing
Students finish carving block
Students print block
**Students should have some experience drawing.**
* This course will be held OFFSITE at Denver Botanic Gardens (1007 York St. Denver, CO 80206)
