What?
This intensive 5 part course will advance your skills in Gelliprinting (monoprinting on a Gelli plate without a press). It's suitable for beginners or those wishing to develop their Gelliprinting skills.
Studying examples of work from various artists as spring boards, we'll use this inspiration for our printmaking explorations (see below for week by week list).
We'll learn to explore aspects of their works and practice, adapting it to print making and creating our own unique works.
Each week we'll learn new skills to work with in our mono printmaking; each new skill is modelled comprehensively and then 1:1 support is offered as you begin to explore.
Worked examples from the teachers own workbook are also shared, as are other sketchbooks for inspiration.
Week 1: SERIES V works from Wilma af Klint
- registration so that you can create layered prints
- creating your own stencils (and understanding options for materials to create stencils from)
- how to create silhouette and ghost prints
- layering prints; including using different materials for texture effects
- how one artist has taken this series as a jump off point but made it their own as an example to show where you could go
EXT: changing scales/ zooming in
Week 2: LANDSCAPE works of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham
- monoprinting OFF the gelliplate - for variety of mark making opportunities we'll explore monoprinting using acrylics and printing inks
- aspects of image transfer where useful to our image creation - making marks with charcoal and pastel pencil to transfer to the plate
- masking off area of the gelliplate to add bold areas of colour
- combining the best effects from gelliprint marks and monoprinting off the plate marks for different effects
EXT: wet strength tissue layers; work which can also read upside down
Week 3: LANDSCAPE works of Kurt Jackson
- mark making on the gelliplate with various tools inc painting on the plate, wiping on and off, pressing materials into the plate etc
- wider texture explorations inc watery effects on the plate
- layering areas over each other for density of colour and variety of marks
- light versus dark areas on the print for contrast
- can also be combines with monoprint marks off the gelliplate from week 2
EXT: combining with other techniques e.g. image transfer of text or other to add density or interest into the layers
Week 4: ABSTRACT works inc the works of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham as week 2 and the modern day works of Heather Chontos amongst others
- creating work on different surfaces (which can include textiles**)
- collaging to create larger works as an option
- aspects of composition within abstract work
- layering marks - using knowledge of transparent and opaque
- adding in drawn marks using pastels and other on top of the print for effect
- hinged registration as another option
EXT: choosing own abstract work as jump off point to explore/ creating at larger scale / using bigger plates
Week 5: TBC with the students on the course
Depending on the interest of the group; can include students bringing in their own inspiration from known artist to work from in the style of the other classes.
You will be provided with a sketchbook in which to chart your learning through the 5 weeks and at the end of each week you will take home the prints you've made from that week's inspiration.
At the end of the course you will have the knowledge to be able to set yourself up at home to continue your own Gelliprinting journey should you wish to.
I'll also recommend Gelliprint artists you can look up to enhance your study.
Gelliprinting is fast and fun and it's easy to get hooked, so having a good set of skills allows you to not only produce works which you love but also gives you skills to be able to continue exploring at your own pace.
When?
5 Fridays over 6 weeks from 10 - 1pm
Starting Friday 24th October, then 31/10, 07/11 (NOT 14/11) then 21/11 and final session 28/11/25
If you miss any sessions I will do my best to offer you a session in my shed studio to catch up on what's been missed.
How much?
£150** early bird discount (IF booked before 18/10/25)
This includes all materials, inc printer paper (the only exception is textiles* if you choose to trial printing on different fabrics - not a compulsory part of the course).
Also if you would like to work on other papers you are welcome to bring your own.
Normal price £175 per person.
Note: If you prefer to pay by bank transfer please get in touch.
The max group size is 10 so you'll have lots of chance to get help and ask questions in a relaxed informal setting.
Refreshments are included (but there's also a lovely cafe on site for great coffees and cakes if you want a break or to stay for lunch afterwards).
Where?
Clevedon Craft Centre
Moor Lane
Clevedon
North Somerset
BS21 6TD
The teaching room is upstairs in an old listed building. We work on a large communal table which gives us generous working room.
There are 4 large heaters for working in colder weathers - but if you know you get chilly please wear warm layers and old clothes that you don't mind getting paint on, or bring an apron.
Parking is free on site.
Feedback from previous course participants:
'Julia's expertise and the way she explains things helped as I am a complete beginner. The encouragement to play and experiment was right up my street,' Fizz.
'Julia is a knowledgeable and encouraging tutor. She offers well planned sessions with generous resources in a supportive environment', Fi.
'It was very helpful - Julia had visual examples demonstrating the various stages in the printmaking process in her sketch book as well as finished pieces. Julia also provided links for further information and research, also websites for purchasing resources,' Claire.
'Great printing technique. Fast results. Really well organised and resourced,' Peter.
Terms: I reserve the right to cancel the course before the event if there aren't enough people signed up. Full refund or place on alternative course offered in the event of cancellation.
Refunds are not possible once booked - but if sufficient notice is given I will aim to offer you a place on another suitable course.
Contact me with any questions.