Exploring Gelli Printing

Printmaking / Abstract - Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Course details

Discover the creative possibilities of Gelli printing in this playful and experimental one-day workshop with Lesley Plumridge.

Gelli printing is a highly versatile form of printmaking that uses a soft, gel-like plate to create one-off prints by hand. Instead of a traditional press, paint is rolled onto the surface of the plate and then manipulated using tools such as rollers, brushes, stencils, textured materials or everyday objects. Paper is pressed onto the plate to transfer the image, resulting in beautifully layered and unpredictable prints.

Over the course of the day, use simple tools and accessible techniques to explore how to create rich, layered prints full of colour, texture and unexpected results. The emphasis is on creative freedom and experimentation, encouraging you to let go of expectations and enjoy the process.  You will build a collection of unique printed papers using a variety of approaches, including working with stencils, found materials, textures and mark-making. Lesley will show you how to layer colour, create depth, and develop visually engaging compositions through repetition and variation.  Demonstrations and one-to-one guidance will support you as you explore different techniques and discover your own visual language.  As your collection grows, you will have the opportunity to select and refine your favourite prints, considering composition, contrast and colour relationships. These can be developed further into resolved pieces or kept as a resource for future work.

What makes Gelli printing so appealing is its immediacy and sense of play. Each print is unique, with subtle variations in texture, colour and mark-making. Artists can build up layers, work transparently or opaquely, and experiment freely without the need for specialist equipment. It’s a process that encourages curiosity and exploration, often leading to unexpected and expressive results.

What will I learn?

  1. Develop an understanding of Gelli printing techniques, including layering, mark-making and working with stencils and textures
  2. Gain confidence in using accessible tools and materials to create expressive, one-off prints
  3. Learn how to combine repetition and variation to create depth and visually engaging surfaces
  4. Explore a more intuitive and experimental approach to printmaking that can be applied to future work

Who would this course suit?

Because of its accessibility and flexibility, Gelli printing is suitable for all levels—from complete beginners to more experienced artists looking to loosen up their practice and explore new ways of working.

Exploring Gelli Printing

Printmaking / Abstract – Materials included

We haven’t scheduled this course yet. Please email us to register your interest for future availability.

Register Interest

Taught by

Lesley
Plumridge

View Lesley’s Work

Through my teaching I give inspiration and enthusiasm; I love showing students new techniques and processes and then helping them incorporate them in their own way and develop them into their creative practices.

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.

We will provide all the materials you need. If you have chosen a landscape class please wear appropriate footwear as you may spend time on the beach we look out over, a short walk from the studio.

Timings and Breaks

The course starts at 10am and finishes at 4.30pm, please aim to arrive ten to fifteen minutes before the start time. 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 I need any previous art experience?

Not always. We offer courses for all levels, including complete beginners, intermediate students and more experienced artists. You can look for the experience level listed on the individual course page to find the most suitable option for you. If you need any guidance on what course might suit you best, contact on our friendly team on 01736 797180 and they will be able to help.

Art Courses in St Ives

How do I log in to my online account?

To log in to your account, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
  3. Enter the email address and you used when booking
  4. Click “Log in” to access your account

Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your bookings, outstanding payments, online courses and any relevant account information.

If you’ve forgotten your password, simply click ‘Forgot password?’ on the login page and follow the instructions to reset it.

If you have any trouble accessing your account, please email us and we’ll be happy to help.

Do you offer art classes for children and teenagers?

Yes. Our Young Artists Programme includes art workshops for children and teenagers, with sessions designed for different age groups. During the summer, we also run creative workshops for children aged 7-13.

How large are your art classes?

Our studio courses are taught in small groups of around 10 to 12 people, allowing tutors to provide individual guidance alongside group demonstrations and discussions.

What is included in an art course?

Course fees include professional tuition from a practising artist and use of the School’s studio facilities. Materials and equipment are all included in our in person courses, workshops and life drawing sessions – so you can just turn up and get started. Teas and coffees are also provided throughout the day.

Can I attend an art course on my own?

Absolutely. Many students come to St Ives School of Painting independently. Courses offer a welcoming and sociable environment, with plenty of opportunities to meet other people who share an interest in making and learning.

Do you offer beginner painting courses?

Yes. Our programme includes beginner-friendly painting courses covering materials such as oils, acrylics and watercolours. These courses introduce you to essential tools and techniques while giving you plenty of time to practise and explore your own ideas.

How do I choose the right art course?

Start by considering how you would like to work. You may want to learn a particular medium, improve a skill such as drawing or colour mixing, explore a subject such as landscape or still life, or develop a more personal approach. Each course page explains the content, materials, level and teaching approach to help you decide. Our friendly, helpful team are always available to help further.

Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options or email [email protected].

Who teaches your art courses?

Our courses are led by practising artists – including Jill Eisele, Alice Mumford, Iona Sanders and Neil Canning – all with extensive knowledge of their chosen subjects and materials. Each tutor brings their own artistic experience, working methods and approach to teaching, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of ideas and techniques.

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 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


In Person Courses

What do I need to bring?

You don’t need to bring anything with you unless we specify beforehand. All materials, aprons and tools are provided, however some people do like to bring along their favourite set of brushes or sketchbooks.

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.

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]

Choosing an Art Course

Do you run life drawing classes in St Ives?

Yes. We hold regular life drawing sessions in St Ives, including Thursday evening and Saturday morning classes. These welcoming, tutored sessions are open to a range of experience levels and provide an opportunity to practise drawing from a life model. Our life drawing sessions are held just a 5 minute walk from our studios at The Island Centre.

Do you offer art courses for adults?

Yes. We run art classes and courses for adults throughout the year, from accessible introductory workshops to more intensive courses for people looking to deepen their creative practice.

What types of painting can I learn?

Our courses cover a wide range of approaches, including oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolour, gouache, landscape painting, still life, portraiture and abstraction. We also offer courses exploring colour, composition, mark-making and creative confidence.

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