Winter Retreat - Drawing into Printmaking

Join us for a dynamic and immersive three-day workshop that seamlessly blends drawing and printmaking. This workshop is designed for artists of all levels who are eager to expand their artistic repertoire and explore the fascinating intersection of drawing and printmaking. Over the course of two days, participants will engage in hands-on activities that transition from drawing to monoprinting, and ultimately to creating drypoint prints.

Drawing and Monoprints

Drawing Exploration

Participants will spend the morning drawing in and around the studio, capturing inspiration from the surroundings. Jemma, an experienced artist and instructor, will lead a series of drawing activities designed to help loosen up and unlock creativity. Emphasis will be placed on observational drawing, focusing on composition, texture, and tone.

Objective: Develop a series of sketches and drawings that will serve as the foundation for the afternoon printmaking session.

Transitioning to the workshop, participants will use their morning drawings to create monoprints. This session will cover the basics of monoprinting techniques, allowing artists to experiment with colours, textures, and layering.

Objective: Create unique monoprints inspired by the morning's drawings, learning to translate drawn imagery into print.

Drypoint Printmaking

Drypoint Preparation

The day will begin with an introduction to drypoint printmaking. Participants will use their monoprints and drawings as references to turn their drawings into intaglio plates.

Objective: Prepare drypoint plates that explore different compositions, textures, and tonal variations.

Participants will spend the afternoon printing their drypoint plates, experimenting with inking techniques and exploring the possibilities of multiple prints. Emphasis will be placed on achieving depth and richness in the prints.

Objective: Complete a series of drypoint prints, gaining an understanding of the drypoint process and how to refine prints for desired effects.

About the Tutor

Jemma Gunning is an artist printmaker specialising in intaglio and lithographic processes.

In 2018 after graduating from University of the West of England (UWE) with an MA in Multidisciplinary Printmaking she was awarded a QEST scholarship to support a research fellowship at the City and Guilds of London Art School.

In 2019 and 2020 she was awarded an Elizabeth Greenshield grant to support the development of her creative practice and support the setup of her print workshop.

Jemma exhibits regularly nationally and internationally, works part time as a technical print instructor at UWE and runs freelance workshops through Bristol Print Collective that she co-founded in 2016.