Course details
Translate visual information gathered in the landscape with the simplicity and immediacy of print. Create layers using mono printing and drypoint, including time creating work on a professional press.
A rare opportunity to work with tutors from both the St Ives School of Painting and Porthmeor Print Workshop. Translate visual information gathered in the landscape into multi layered prints using mono printing and drypoint, including time creating work on a professional printing press. You will enjoy this course if you love the simplicity and immediacy of print, an approach that will also benefit and inspire your painting.
Initially you will use mono printing in the studio to familiarise yourself with the possibilities and behaviours of the inks. These are oil based but are washable. On subsequent days this work will be developed in the Porthmeor Print Studio as mono prints and drypoint, utilising the press in the studio. Liz Luckwell, artist tutor will lead the first morning to help you gather ideas from the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon you will be joined by Mary Crockett, a highly experienced print maker, who will help you take those ideas and observations and translate them into mono prints, a fluid and highly versatile medium.
The results can look deceptively simple and striking but requires learning to think ahead, slow down and plan. A great discipline if you are a painter who tends to jump in and hope for the best. On the first afternoon you will explore how the ink behaves, working thick and thin and experimenting with its potential for expressive mark making, building your confidence for the following day when you will use the press.
We keep numbers small on this course to ensure students get the most out of their printing experience. On some parts of the course there will also be co teaching to enable you to get a rich combination of creative and technical input from the tutors. Please note that all three days will be based in our studio in the Penwith next door to the print room. Access to the studio involves a cobbled sloping walkway and several steps.
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
In the morning be introduced to both tutors. Gather source material around St Ives with artist Luz Luckwell. In the afternoon you will be introduced to the printing materials and both Mary and Liz will co teach to help you explore mono printing initially without a press.
Day 2
Liz and Mary will both teach together in the morning to give intensive support as you move on to use the presses. Apply what you have learned from the day before trying thick and thin inks, wiping away, creating interesting techniques you might see in etching or expressive oil painting. In the afternoon be introduced to working with drypoint.
Day 3
Mary will work with you to combine drypoint with mono printing using the marks and sketching ideas gathered on your first morning to add depth and interest to your prints.
What will I learn?
- Experience working with experienced printers who will help you unlock the potential of the medium
- An opportunity to work on a professional press that helps you get striking results you can’t get at home
- An introduction to the expressive qualities you can achieve with monoprinting and the use of drypoint to overlay marks
- As a painter it will help you hone your decision-making skills around composition and colour
- Learn how to create tones in your print
Who would this course suit?
The course is ideal for those who would enjoy slowing down their creative process to work in a more considered pace. No experience of art making is required but you will need to be happy to follow instructions.
Taught by
What to Bring
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 like to use, please bring them with you.
It may also be useful to bring a plastic folder or portfolio to transport your work home (although we have these available to buy from £3.50). If your course involves working outside we would recommend you bring warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking shoes or boots.
Timings and Breaks
Registration on your first day is between 9.30 am and 9.50 am where you can sign in and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on arrival.
The course starts at 10 am on the first day and 9.30 am thereafter, finishing at 3.30 on Sunday, with a short lunch break to try and enable everyone to get home that day. There are plenty of nearby places to eat or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio. Tea and coffee is provided throughout. Occasionally these times may be changed if required by the tutor.
What our students say
Really enjoyable – learned loads and found the workshops most informative. Liz and Mary were encouraging and generous in their tutoring. Thank you both.
FAQs
Our Courses
How can I get help in choosing a course?
Our friendly expert staff are always happy to discuss your needs and our courses in more detail to help you with your decision. Please call us on 01736 797180
How do I get my work home?
Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and the school has plastic folders available in our shop for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.
For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home.
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.
Weekend Courses run 10am – 4pm on the first day but the final day starts at 9.30 and ends at 3.30 with a short lunch break to enable people to get home that evening.
Do you have to be experienced to come to the School?
The School is a very friendly and welcoming place for all ages and experience. Our drop-in life classes and August half-day workshops are ideal for those wanting to have a go for the first time. Most of our longer courses are also fine for novices.
If any of the courses do need a bit of experience we flag this up in the brochure and on the website.
Booking a Course
Can I pay by cheque?
Please get in touch by phone and we can hold your place for a few days whilst you post your cheque (made payable to: St Ives School of Painting) to us at St Ives School of Painting, Porthmeor Studios. St Ives TR26 1NG
How can I reserve a place?
We will hold a provisional reservation for 2 days if you give us a call whilst you find accommodation. Otherwise please book online or by telephone 01736 797180.
You can pay a £60 deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before course start date.
About St Ives
Where do I park?
The nearest long stay public car parks are the Island and Barnoon both 5 minute walk away. In the peak summer months it may be easier to park at the big top car park by the leisure centre and walk down into town. If you don’t fancy the walk up the hill at the end of the day there is a shuttle bus which runs from outside the cinema.
How do I get there?
Public Transport: If you are coming from further afield the main train line runs into St Erth which is a 15 min taxi ride away or you can take the St Ives Bay Line which runs approx. every 30 minutes. The School is a 10 minute walk from St Ives station.
Driving: M5 will take you to Exeter where we recommend that you take the A30 across Bodmin Moor and into Cornwall. After passing Hayle, leave the A30 at St Erth roundabout for St Ives. Turn right at the second roundabout. This road will take you through Lelant and Carbis Bay into St Ives.
Where can I stay?
St Ives has a huge selection of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation to choose from. Please browse the art holidays St Ives section on our website and give us a call if you would like any help.