Description

Carve, Ink & Print: An Introduction to Relief Printmaking

Discover the art of relief printmaking in this fun, hands-on beginner workshop! You’ll design, carve, ink, and print your own artwork using soft rubber carving blocks, learning the basic techniques printmakers have used for centuries to create bold, hand-pulled prints. No experience necessary. All materials are provided, and you’ll go home with your own carved printing block and a set of original prints.

Each student will design and carve a simple image into a 4″ × 6″ soft rubber printing block, then use block printing inks and hand-printing techniques to pull a small edition of original prints, experimenting with color and composition along the way. Nature-inspired designs work beautifully for a first block (think leaves, flowers, fish, birds, or geometric patterns). Choose from our provided templates or bring your own idea to life. You’ll take home your reusable carved block and your finished prints.

Students will learn the fundamentals of relief printmaking, including:

• Designing an image and transferring it onto a block
• Using carving tools safely and confidently
• Working with positive and negative space
• Rolling out and applying ink with a brayer
• Hand-pulling prints using a baren or wooden spoon
• Exploring color and composition, and producing multiple prints from a single block

Along the way, students will get hands-on experience with linoleum carving tools with interchangeable blades, bench hooks for safe carving, tracing paper and transfer tools, rubber brayers, ink plates, water-based block printing inks, barens, and drying racks.

What Supplies Should the Participant Bring: A few rough sketches or reference images for your print design (optional, since templates will be available). Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little ink on.

Skill Level / Prerequisites: Beginner; no experience necessary

Cost:  $85 (Materials $30 + Class fee $55)

About The Facilitator

Laura Horton

Laura settled into Grass Valley after her retirement. She joined the Forge and quickly became one of our outstanding volunteers. She’s in mixed media Tuesdays afternoons.

Please note: All classes require a minimum number of participants and may be rescheduled if that minimum is not met. If this happens, we’ll let you know in advance and work with you to get you into the next available class.

Cancellation Policy

Please review our cancellation policy before booking. If you need to cancel your registration, you must notify us at least 7 days before the class start time to receive a refund. Cancellations made within 7 days are non-refundable.

View the full policy here

Waitlist Form

Fill out the waitlist form below if the class is not available, or if you need a different date. We will reach out when the class becomes available.