Introduction to Linoprinting Workshop

Introduction to Linoprinting Workshop with Eric Gaskell ARBSA.

Eric is a professional printmaker and in this workshop he will help guide you through the steps; from drawing, (what images work for print?), cutting, (which areas do you need to leave?), proofing to the final print. Making careful cuts in a piece of Lino, inking the remaining surface and pressing onto a piece of paper is a traditional method of printmaking. The first thing you need is an idea. You can draw from life, memory, photographs or your imagination. The drawing helps to show how the linocut “might” end up. When complete you’ll transfer the drawing onto the block. Printing in this process is a slow deliberate act, you’ll take your time and consider each cut.

Age group and abilities to be taught        

• 18 years and above.
• Ideal for beginners but suitable for all abilities.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• To create an original black and white print from a drawing
• Learn how to create a design for print
• Learn how to cut the design into a block of lino using specialist tools and equipment
• How to print proofs
• Learn how to print the final work

Course outline for Introduction to Linoprinting Workshop

Morning activity 

• Eric will introduce the workshop and the process and stages to be worked through, providing examples.
• The group will draw out a design and receive guidance on how to make sure its suitable for print
• The design will then be transferred to the block, Eric will demonstrate how to do this.
• Once the drawing is on the block you can begin to cut. Eric will demonstrate how to do this and providing health and safety guidance.

Afternoon activity

• The block will be proofed a number of times to check on progress. At this stage, designs can be tweaked by cutting away more from the surface of the block.
• Once happy with the final proof, each group member can print a small edition of their final version. Eric will provide information on the different ways to press a block onto paper to transfer the design, (e.g using a roller, spoon, your hand, a press).
• Eric will discuss the pieces created so the group can identify how to develop their print work beyond the workshop.

Materials and equipment provided

These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee. While all this equipment is provided, you may wish to bring your own as well.

• Paper
• Carbon paper
• Relief ink, rollers, trays, lino and lino cutters
• Palette knifes
• Roller press
• Compass
• Rulers
• Pencils

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Evaluation and discussion of individual students work during the session with the tutor
• Completion of the evaluation form.

Booking information

• To book please visit the RBSA Gallery website and click ‘workshops’ at the top of the page. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours Tues-Sat 10.30am – 5pm. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
• Payments can be made by card online, by card over the phone, and by cash/card at the Gallery.
• Places are limited to 10 people per workshop unless stated otherwise. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
• Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
• A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.

Cancellation Policy

• If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
• Transfers to an alternative workshop may be possible depending on the circumstance and is of the discretion of the RBSA Gallery.
• In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
• If you are booked on a workshop and do not turn up on the day, a refund will not be given.

Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright

• We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
• The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards). 

Other information

• The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
• Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
• Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
• Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
• The continuous redevelopment work in the city center has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
• If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.