Japanese Woodblock Printer Adrian Holmes at work.

Japanese Woodblock Printing (4)

Printmaking / Water-based - Materials included

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

Register Interest

Course details

Inspired by the semi-abstract modernist tradition of St Ives, experienced woodblock artist Adrian Holmes teaches you to compose, carve and print your own designs using authentic Japanese tools and paper.

Japanese Woodblock trees printing art course.
Student Work

A contemporary take on the centuries old process of Japanese woodblock printing, this course uses traditional tools to create modern masterpieces. Inspired by the semi-abstract modernist tradition of St Ives, practitioner Adrian Holmes teaches you to compose, carve and print your own designs using authentic Japanese tools and paper.

The course includes a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden to gather inspiration for your prints.

This is a non toxic waterbased technique that you can do from your own kitchen table once you have the equipment. This course is an ideal way of trying it out under expert guidance. A calming, meditative practice, and an ideal way of creating if you have limited space and want to avoid nasty chemicals.

You will learn both the reduction technique where you work with a single plate, and the multiple plate technique, where over several days you carve a plate for each layer. The four days give you the time needed to absorb the new techniques and enjoy the process.

Practitioner Adrian Holmes gives you an insight into his extensive knowledge of the woodblock printing tradition. Having lived and practiced woodblock printing in Japan for many years, Adrian journeys there each year to continue his personal study of the art and the sosaku hanga movement that emerged in the 20th Century, around the same time as British modernism was taking off.

Translated literally as ‘creative prints’, sosaku hanga emphasises the artist’s need for autonomous self-expression in the drawing, carving and designing of prints.

This 4 day course includes a visit to the famous Barbara Hepworth Museum and Gardens to explore the artist’s simple and shapely sculptures inspired by the rocks and lines of the Cornish coast.

Learn to extract essential forms inspired from your visit and simplify them into semi-abstract designs. This is a wonderfully unique opportunity to engage with traditions from both Japan and St Ives to produce ethereal, experimental prints.

Japanese wood block print St Ives art course.
Student Work
Adrian Holmes – Tutor
Student Work

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

Adrian will introduce you to the process and history of Japanese woodblock, as well has its modern application in the course. There will be a trip to Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden to gather information. Discuss the inspiration for your prints 1-1 with Adrian and develop your image using mark making, collage and cut outs. Learn to transfer ready for carving and then launch into reduction.

Day 2

Spend the day carving the wooden plates that will make up your final design. Learn to work with the grain and tools to create clean and precise lines.    Begin printing from first carving and then continue with further prints. By the afternoon we will move on to the multi plate technique to learn how to create layered prints.

Day 3

Learn through demonstration and practice about the different elements of the printmaking process. Get insight into creating colour density and layering your plates to produce a final piece

Day 4

Continue to build up your layers, enriching colour density. At the end of the final day the group comes together to look at the prints produced with the two different techniques.

What will I learn?

  1. The confidence to create your own woodblock prints – a good understanding of the tools and craft involved. 
  2. How to simplify an image and make it into an effective print design. 
  3. 1-1 guidance on your style and process of creating semi-abstract work
  4. An insight into colour theory, particularly in relation to the printing process, how to separate an image by colour and use watercolour to achieve different intensities of colour. 
  5. An understanding of traditional techniques, tools and materials in a modern context.

Who would this course suit?

This course is suitable for newcomers to printing or art of any kind. It can be hard on the wrists due to the amount of carving involved. If you have experience with other printmaking processes such as lino, this is a chance to get an insight into its traditional predecessor.

If you have an interest in Japanese culture, learning a printing process that is totally sustainable, have some watercolour experience or any of the above, this course is a rare opportunity to take those interests into uncharted territory and learn something completely new.

Japanese Woodblock Printing (4)

Printmaking / Water-based – Materials included

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

Register Interest

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.

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.

What our students say

The course was well structured and balanced with an excellent tutor to guide us through the steps. I have already recommended the course to a friend.

Connie

Adrian Holmes has an efficient but friendly and approachable personality, very encouraging.

Connie

Adrian Holmes has an efficient but friendly and approachable personality, very encouraging.

Connie

Four busy days, well planned, and delivered by a true specialist with detailed knowledge and practical experience.

Adrian was very skilled and an expert woodblock print maker, so it was lovely to gain some of his knowledge and try a new process.

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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