About

This exciting, step-by-step, low-toxic, two-day course will take you through the digital and analogue steps to make photopolymer prints.

Over two days, you'll learn how to create your own photopolymer prints using pre-prepared solar plates and film positives. 

Beginning with a short introduction to exposing test plates using a UV light unit, covers how to accurately measure exposure times. Working together to expose, develop, and cure your own A5 plates. Day two is focused on inking and printing using a traditional etching press. Experiment with proofing blacks and a selection of water soluble coloured inks. This course is ideal for intermediate learners with some experience in printmaking and basic digital editing skills. All materials and equipment provided, including 2 x pre-cut film positives and two A5 plates. Pre-course communication with tutor Bev Hayes to help you prepare your digital images for film positives. By the end of the course, you'll have explored every step of this alternative printmaking process and produced a small edition of prints from your two small plates.

Guest Tutor Bev Hayes is a UK-born artist and printmaker based in Sweden, working from a print studio in Gothenburg. She has over five years of experience with photopolymer gravure and regularly teaches short courses. Bev also exhibits her work at art fairs and galleries both locally and internationally.

Workshop Description:  An Introduction to Photopolymer Etching. 

Day 1

• Pre-course digital editing exercise on your own computer to prepare images for film positives.
• Follow step-by-step image editing instructions (PDF notes provided).
• Make small test plates to practice a two-step exposure: first an aquatint screen, then a film positive.
• Learn to use the UV light box and expose your plates correctly. 
• Develop plates in water, then dry cure them.
• Prepare plates for printing by filing edges and corners.
• Cut and dampen paper for printing on Day 2.

Day 2

• Ink and print your plates multiple times.
• Test proof in cold and warm black inks.
• Option to try an alternative ink colour.
• Learn tips for choosing and using high-quality inks and paper (bring a notepad).
• Press prints dry.
• Bring an art folder if you want to keep your prints flat for transport.

Outcome:

A step-by-step experience in Photopolymer plate making, and printmaking, resulting in your own printed works to take home.

*IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION*

After booking, you must send two digital photos of the images you wish to use for the workshop to Bev by November 1st. Bev can pre-prepare your film positives ahead of the workshop. 

Email Bev at bevhayesart@gmail.com with the subject line: Bluecoat Photopolymer Workshop

Send a high-resolution TIFF/JPEG/PNG file (300 dpi) sized to A5 (148.5 × 210 mm) using a file transfer program.

Deadline: November 1st

What happens after the course?

After you’ve completed your course, you are free to book into our open access printmaking studios. Your course acts as an induction, but if you feel like you would benefit from a free one-to-one induction or more info about our studios, you can book online here: https://shop.thebluecoat.org.uk/products/book-a-free-health-safety-induction

We also offer a Bluecoat Artist Memberships scheme, which has lots of amazing perks for practicing and aspiring local printmakers. You can find out more information and purchase your membership here: https://shop.thebluecoat.org.uk/products/artist-membership

Got any questions?

If you have any questions about the course or our studios, please email our Print Studio Manager at: Ivy.m@thebluecoat.org.uk

You can also find out general information about the Bluecoat Print Studios here: https://www.thebluecoat.org.uk/our-community/spaces/print-studio

Accessibility:

The Bluecoat cafe, gardens and building floors are accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility with lifts and ramp access.

The print studios have step-free access but the studio spaces & equipment have not been adapted to take into consideration any floor space/surface height needs. 

If you would like to do a print workshop with us but are unsure about accessibility, please contact the Print Studio manager at: ivy.m@thebluecoat.org.uk

Getting here:

The Bluecoat is located in Liverpool city centre and is easily accessible using public transport.

• The closest bus stop is Tesco Hanover Street
• The closest railway station is Liverpool Central Station

Date

Location

Bluecoat Print Studios
The Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX

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