Rachael Kantaris

Painterly Printmaking

Printmaking - Materials included

Book Selected Date

Course details

Explore a creative and experimental approach to a variety of printmaking techniques including monoprinting and collagraph. Use a professional press in the historic Porthmeor Print Workshop to create stunning, multi-layered prints.

printmaking course for painters using printing press at Penwith print studio with artist Rachael Kantaris

You will explore several methods of monoprinting including creating rich colour over colour relief prints achieved with the press. Go on to explore drypoint using clear plastic plates and use these to work over your monoprints. Then moving on to collagraph, a fantastic intaglio medium similar to etching, you will learn to produce prints of incredible subtlety and depth.

Collagraph lends itself particularly well to colour inking and can incorporate very painterly techniques using gesso, brush marks and different approaches of applying inks.  All methods covered are highly versatile and lend themselves particularly well to a multi-layered approach.

This course is taught in the historic Porthmeor Print workshop giving you access to its etching presses and associated printing equipment.

*NB The Porthmeor Print Studio is a 2 minute walk from the Porthmeor Studios. Please note access to this historic space is via a steep sloping cobbled path and steps.

Rachael Kantaris
Rachel Kantaris
Rachel Kantaris

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.

Day 1

After an introduction and demonstration we will spend the morning exploring multi layered monoprints directly from glass using stencils, textured materials and different drawing methods. In the afternoon work with multi-layered prints using the etching presses working up to larger paper and using dry point plates.

Day 2

In the morning we start with an introduction to collagraph using mount card, gesso, textured wallpapers, PVA shellac varnish. Print all afternoon with etching inks in various colours.

Day 3

Continue with your collagraph and monoprints as well as bringing your dry point into the mix.

What will I learn?

  1. Learn specialised printmaking techniques
  2. Learn to apply different techniques together
  3. Push forward your creative ideas through a new medium
  4. Gain experience using a professional etching press as well as learn techniques that can be applied back at home.
  5. Have a fun and productive few days guided by an experienced painter and printmaker

Who would this course suit?

The course is ideal for those interested in learning to use these three different mediums. You don’t need to have any experience in printmaking or painting to enjoy learning the process.

Painterly Printmaking

Printmaking – Materials included

Book Selected Date

Taught by

Rachael
Kantaris

View Rachael’s Work

Due to the nature of printmaking, the courses I run are for relatively small groups. This allows for a high level of support so I can tailor the processes to suit individual artists’ ideas. I am very hands on, teaching through demonstrations, but within this structure, encourage students’ freedom in the way they apply these techniques to their own practice. I’m dynamic in my teaching methods and always have lots of fun. I find it incredibly exciting and enjoy the adventure of such a productive and creative environment.

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

I was looking for a course which would free up my printmaking and Rachael’s course did exactly that. It was an inspiration and a practical masterclass which has left me keen to do much more innovative and free printmaking. It was exactly what I needed and wanted.

Nicolas

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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