Relief Printing I: Basic Techniques and Fundamentals

Instructor: Patrick Bulas
Thursdays 5:30-8:30pm
10 weeks: January 20 to March 31
Location: In-person Williams Building room 118
$387.50 plus $25 materials (required)
Prerequisite: None

Relief printing is one of the oldest and most straightforward forms of printmaking. Contemporary artists continue to work with the medium to create images with incredible detail, expressive linework, pattern, and vibrant colour. Unlike other printmaking mediums, relief printing can be done all by hand, eliminating the need for expensive equipment. In this course, students will learn how to carve linoleum and wood blocks and then print them by hand using both monochrome and colour processes. Some related printmaking techniques that are covered in this course include chine collé, printing found objects, and textile printing.  At the end of the course, students can participate in a print exchange with each other and the instructor.

Syllabus

  • Week 1: Introduction to relief printing, supplies and studio practices; First Group Project-Still Life (working with carving patterns)
  • Week 2: Printing
  • Week 3: Work period
  • Week 4: Group Critique; Chine collé
  • Week 5: Color printing, part 1: Reduction: Multiple Block; Jigsaw/Puzzle Piece: Second Group Project: Color (working with complementary colors)
  • Week 6: Color printing, part 2: Reduction; Multiple Block; Jigsaw/Puzzle Piece
  • Week 7: Work period
  • Week 8: Textile printing; Printing using found objects
  • Week 9: Work period
  • Week 10: Final critique; print exchange

Supplies

  • Relief Ink: Basic inks for studio use are included. Inks and ink suppliers will be discussed for students wanting to obtain inks for personal use
  • Paper: Lynx Cover is a good, inexpensive paper to start with. Other recommended papers: Stonehenge, Somerset Satin, Kitakata, Mulberry, Gampi. (Thinner papers are recommended)
  • Linoleum blocks: Battleship linoleum is recommended. Speedy-Cut Easy linoleum is acceptable. Unmounted linoleum in smaller sizes are recommended: 5” x 7” or 4” x 6”
  • Shop towels or rags
  • A small piece of Plexiglas or glass: approx. 8” x 10”
  • Paint scraper
  • Palette knives
  • Small wood blocks will be provided for introduction. Students who wish to continue working with wood must provide their own additional blocks
  • Carving tools: Niji carving tools or Speedball lino cutter are recommended
  • Mylar sheet
  • Wooden spoon or baren
  • Wax paper
  • Brayer
  • Newsprint pad: 18" x 24"
  • Sketch pad/notebook
  • Pencils, pens
  • Ruler
  • Masking tape
  • Utility knife
  • Box of nitrile or latex gloves
  • Apron, smock, or old shirt
  • Container to carry supplies
  • Cardboard portfolio

For a brief list of frequently used suppliers, please see Where can I purchase supplies? on our FAQ page.

block print of an owl   block print of three muskoxen stacked   block print of a bear eating honey    block print of a rooster wearing a jacket, shirt and tie   block print of a rabbit