Exploring Abstraction in Japanese woodblock printing

Japanese Woodblock: Abstract Horizons

Printmaking / Water-based / Abstract / Landscape - Materials included

Book Selected Date

Course details

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist looking to loosen up your process, this course is a chance to explore a unique Cornish fusion of modernist abstraction and traditional woodblock print.

Discover the expressive potential of Japanese woodblock printing through the lens of the St Ives Modernists. Inspired by the bold colour, gestural abstraction and landscape-rooted vision of artists like Patrick Heron, Peter Lanyon and Roger Hilton, this three-day course invites you to explore woodblock printing in a freer, more painterly way.

You will be encouraged to interpret the surrounding Penwith landscape in your own voice — breaking down form, light, and space into simplified, dynamic compositions. The aim is not perfection, but expression — using the forgiving surface of wood to create loose, lyrical lines and layered colour that echo the spirit of modernist abstraction.

Over three immersive days, you’ll move from outdoor landscape studies, capturing energy, shape and texture to translating these marks into simplified, painterly woodblock designs. With demos and one-to-one guidance, you’ll learn how to carve and print using water-based inks, watercolour and gouache. Working with double-sided woodblocks, you’ll layer colour and form to create bold, atmospheric prints.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a vibrant series of modernist-inspired prints — and the skills to keep exploring this expressive, hands-on technique.

nb: how does this course differ from the ‘Japanese Woodblock Printing’ course that Adrian teaches?

  • Time will be spent outdoors in the St Ives landscape, observing and recording the shapes, rhythms and patterns.
  • Both sides of the woodblock will be utilised – creating a two-plate reductive woodblock print. Carving away a little each time to create different colours and textures and building up subtle differences in colour.
  • This course encourages more spontaneity and freedom, and is less fixed on technical application, with an emphasis on raw cutting, texture, and simplified composition. The end process is a more expressive print.

Day to day plan

This is a rough indication of what to expect over the course.
However sometimes the structure of the days may alter depending on the nature of the group and weather.

Day 1

Begin out in the landscape, sketching with oil pastel, charcoal and watercolour to capture the energy of a landscape. Learn how to deconstruct what you see into shapes, tonal blocks and texture. Back in the studio, begin translating drawings into simplified designs for woodblock, learn how to adapt painterly marks into printable forms.

Day 2

Demonstrations and guidance on carving techniques and printing processes. Begin carving your designs and printing your first layers using water-based inks, watercolour and gouache on double-sided woodblocks, creating soft, expressive effects.

Day 3

Explore how to use the second side of your plates to expand your composition or create contrasting layers. Continue carving, layering and experimenting with colour and texture. Finish the day with a collection of vibrant, modernist-inspired prints.

What will I learn?

  • How to simplify the landscape into shapes, tones, and texture and translate drawings into designs for woodblock printing
  • Carving techniques for a loose, painterly style
  • Painterly inking up techniques using watercolour and gouache
  • How to use double-sided woodblocks to layer and expand compositions
  • Build confidence to continue woodblock printing independently

Who would this course suit?

This course is suited to artists of all levels who want to refresh and expand their creative practice. Whether you are a painter, printmaker, or simply looking to reconnect with making, it offers a playful and intuitive approach to landscape and mark-making. Discover new ways of seeing, simplifying, and working with colour — techniques that can enrich any artistic discipline.

This method of printing uses water-based inks, making it a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based printmaking.

Japanese Woodblock: Abstract Horizons

Printmaking / Water-based / Abstract / Landscape – Materials included

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Adrian
Holmes

View Adrian’s Work

Teaching art allows for people to express, create and question what they believe in. Being a teacher gives me the opportunity to facilitate and promote people’s creative skills, develop their understanding of subject, and find their artistic voice. I feel alive and passionate working with people that share that passion. I’m fascinated by woodblock printing, its versatility, openness and process. I explore the beautiful subtleties of a traditional approach in a contemporary style, focusing on semi abstract themes of landscape and place.

What to Bring

Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.

Our studios are fully equipped and we provide you with all the materials you need for your course. However, if you have a favourite set of brushes or any specialist materials that you would prefer to use, please bring them with you.

Timings and Breaks

The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.

All course days after that start at 9.30am and finish at 4pm and there will be an hour for lunch. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.

The first day starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time.

All course days after that start at 9.30am and end at 4pm. There are plenty of nearby places to eat and we will serve tea and coffee at break times during the day.

FAQs

Art Courses

Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?

No prior experience is required to join most of our art courses. The School of Painting is a friendly and welcoming environment for all ages and abilities, including complete beginners.

Our drop-in life drawing classes and short workshops are perfect if you’re trying painting for the first time. Many of our longer courses are also suitable for beginners, as our tutors are experienced in supporting mixed ability groups. If a course requires previous experience, this will be clearly stated on the course page.

Studio Courses

Can I bring my dog?

The studios are busy places with lots of equipment and not suitable for bringing a pet dog. We can accommodate assistance dogs with prior notice so we can make suitable adjustments. If you wish to bring an assistance dog please call 01736 797180 or email [email protected]

Can you help me choose the right course?

Yes, our friendly and knowledgeable team are always happy to help you choose the best course for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to develop specific skills.

Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options.

How do I get my work home?

Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and for our 3 day courses we will give you a plastic folder with a handle. These are also available to purchase for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.

Please note: For the course Bigger, Bolder, Braver with Boo Mallinson, we will provide a large A1 size plastic folder for your work but please consider how you will be able to transport the larger canvases home safely before signing up for the course as we will not be able to store large paintings in the studio. On this course you will be painting on a 50cms x 50cms and a 1m x 1m canvas alongside smaller pieces.

For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home, postal costs will be borne by you.

What do I need to bring?

Absolutely nothing! All materials and aprons are provided although some people do like to bring their own set of brushes.

What do I do for lunch?

Courses allow an hour’s break for lunch and there are numerous places nearby or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.

What times do courses run?

Most of our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm on the first day. Subsequent days we start at 9.30am ending at 4pm.

Short workshops start at 10am in the Summer and 9.30am/ 1.30pm during September festival


Booking a Course

How do I reserve a place on a course?

You can book your place online or by calling us on 01736 797180.

If you need time to arrange accommodation, we can hold a provisional booking for 24 hours. To secure your place, a £100 deposit is required, with the remaining balance due 12 weeks before the course start date.

About St Ives

Where can I park near the School?

The nearest long-stay car parks are:

Island Car Park
Barnoon Long Stay Car Park

Both are approximately a 5-minute walk from the School.

During the busy summer months, you may find it easier to park at Trenwith Car Park near the leisure centre and walk into town. A shuttle bus often runs back up the hill from near Tate St Ives.

How do I get to the School of Painting in St Ives?

By train:

The nearest mainline station is St Erth, which is approximately a 15-minute taxi journey away. From there, you can also take the St Ives Bay Line, which runs every 30 minutes. The School is a 10-minute walk from St Ives station.

By car:

Take the M5 to Exeter, then follow the A30 into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, exit at the St Erth roundabout towards St Ives. Continue through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives..

Where can I stay in St Ives?

St Ives offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, and self-catering options. You can explore options on our website, or contact us directly on 01736 797180 if you’d like personalised recommendations.

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