With a Focus on floral and botanical shapes, form, and abstraction this short course is ideal for both those trying this beautiful traditional Japanese technique for the first time and for those who wish to learn more. 

Learn the process of designing for woodblock, with emphasis on botanical shape form and composition considerations that give you a solid foundation for any artistic practice, though the thrill of carving and creating your own custom prints might be hard to beat! 

Work with the wood to carve curvilinear shapes and learn how to create stark and clean prints that have a precise and professional finish. Explore the possibility of working with watercolour inks, producing both vivid and subtle hues that give your work a lasting luminous quality. 

Numbers are limited to ensure that you will experience a unique and engaging workshop in which you can experiment and develop your own ideas and style. 

Day 1 will begin with a walk around various areas of the city picking up ideas and inspiration. We will then back to the studio for group work focusing on drawing and carving of the woodblock. 

Day 2 will be focussed on printing and you will have plenty of time to create a set of prints to take away with you. There will be lots of opportunities to experiment with colour and different papers and you will learn all about how to treat your paper before and after printing. 

Skills/Techniques Covered; 

• Designing for woodblock 
• Piecing out the design onto wood 
• Using cutting tools safely for a clean print 
• Managing paper, rice and paints 
• Printing and aftercare 

Materials: All materials will be provided by the tutor. The items you will need to bring with you are listed below. 

Please bring with you: 

• Any sketches or photos that inspire you, but this is not compulsory (Keep ideas simple!!!) 
• you might like to bring your own watercolours (which must be in tubes) as the tutor will just have basic colours 
• Any of your own paint brushes you want to use. 
• Wear something that can be splashed without disaster, (although it is not a particularly messy process) 
• A cushion for your bums 

SESSION DATES

• Sat 23 Apr: 10.30am – 4.30pm
• Sun 24 Apr: 1.30am – 4.30pm

COURSE TUTOR: ADRIAN HOLMES

Adrian is a multi-disciplinary artist whose primary focus is woodblock printing. He fell in love with the art of printing when living in Japan and began to study this beautiful craft and its various techniques. 

Places are limited and pre-booking is required. To learn about the Covid-19 safety measures we have put in place please read the following information about your visit to Exeter Phoenix >>

Workshop attendees get 10% off all food and hot drinks at the Café Bar.

VENUE: EXETER PHOENIX

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>