Intro to: Lino Etching

Description

Join artists and WYPW studio holders Jenny Thomas and Fabian Osborne on our introduction to lino etching weekend course for a full weekend of exploring this exciting technique. Over the course of the two days you will investigate ways of working with lino blocks and a caustic soda paste to bring textural qualities to relief printed images. Lino etching is a very painterly technique, capable of producing gestural marks, gradations of tone, and beautiful unpredictable textures. It can be used stand alone or combined with traditional cutting and masking methods to explore layering and more structural qualities within the image. 

Caustic soda etches or ‘bites’ into the surface of the lino block to various depths, according to the length of time it remains in contact with the lino block. A wide range of tonal marks can be created, from white (negative) to grey (half tone). The lino may also be protected from the caustic etch by the application of a range of materials which will resist the etching process. The resulting areas will print black/full tonal colour. 

Great for those looking to expand their print-making repertoire and for image makers with an interest in playful techniques or textual qualities. This experienced pair will provide you with heaps of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing! 

Your tutors: Jenny Thomas and Fabian Osborne

Jenny Thomas trained as a painter at Leeds and Birmingham colleges of art and was taught lino cutting by her father. Now working predominantly in print, she sites relief printing as the main focus for her current practice loving to experiment with materials and techniques and inspiring others to do the same. 

Based at WYPW, Fabian Osborne’s practice explores the forms and hidden patterns found within natural and manmade landscapes. Interested in the transitory and unpredictability nature of the shapes and surfaces which inspire him, much of his work explores ideas around weathering and erosion. His recent research into lino etching has enabled him to replicate these qualities and currently forms the main focus of his print-making practice. 

Experience level

This course is suitable for beginners as well as those looking to learn a new printmaking technique or who want a process refresher. 

What’s included?

All course prices include basic materials such as inks, paper, tools and equipment.

Itinerary :

On day one you will have the opportunity to see examples of Jenny’s work using lino-etching, along with test blocks and proofs, to give you an idea of the wide variety of materials which can be used to manipulate the etching process. You will then be taken through the basic techniques for etching lino with caustic soda, including the direct application of the caustic paste using brushes, and the use of the various materials / substances which will resist the etch, (known as ‘stop-outs’). Lines can be incised into the stop-out materials using an etching needle. These lines will print white. The lino can be etched many times to build up layers of tone. 

You can experiment with the possibilities, and proof the results, before planning your final piece. You will each have 6 x 15 x 15cm lino blocks to work with during the course. 

On the second day we will work together on your final piece and print the blocks on good quality paper using our platen press. You may wish to prepare a second colour block – overprinting is quick using the ‘wet on wet’ printing process. 

What’s next?

After attending this course you can join our workshop as a member and continue to use our facilities to make and develop your own work. The sooner the better, as the longer you leave it the more you are likely to forget! If you join up within one month of attending the course you will receive a £5 discount. Find out more about the benefits of membership here: https://www.wypw.org/shop/standard-membership/

Once you’ve attended the Introduction to Lino Etching weekend, you might also wish to book onto one of our Advanced Lino Etching courses – please see when the next one is running on our Courses Webpage. 

Cancellation Policy:

• If you have to cancel:

If you are unable to attend your booked course, we may accept the fee paid as payment towards a place on the same or another course that takes place within the same financial year (running 1 April-31 March) following the originally booked event. Such a transfer will be on condition that we are informed in writing of your intentions four weeks prior to the originally booked event. Bookings can only be transferred once.

• 16-12 weeks before the course: 50 % of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Less than 12 weeks before the course: 100% of the fee will be retained by WYPW
• Please note that full payment is required for non-attendance on a booking that has been transferred.

If you have any further questions about our cancellation policy, please contact us on info@wypw.org  

• If we have to cancel:

West Yorkshire Print Workshop reserves the right to cancel or re-arrange courses if there are insufficient participants enrolled to run a viable course or for other unforeseen circumstances. We will do our best to give those who have already enrolled at least one weeks’ notice of cancellation. In such circumstances you will be offered a free transfer to another course date or a full refund of fees paid.

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