Join the exceptionally talented lino cut artist and tutor Nick Morley of LINOCUTBOY for a week of playful experimentation with drawing designs for lino, carving and printing by hand.
About this course:
In this workshop you will discover how to make linocuts in colour, using a variety of techniques. Starting with the basics of carving and printing a design, you will learn how to create a wide range of marks, patterns and textures to give your prints a unique look. Once you have mastered the basics, you will discover how to mix colours, control ink transparency and print in layers. You will also discover how to make beautiful colour blends to add depth and drama to your prints.
Following on from the introductory sessions, you will work on your own project, with guidance from Nick, so you can explore linocut in the way you want. Nick will be on hand to give you advice and help you get the best results possible.
Alongside learning the technical aspects of linocut, each day will start with a short warm-up exercise to develop your drawing and compositional skills, inspired by Clos Mirabel and its beautiful surroundings.
Linocut is a fun and challenging artform. It doesn’t take long to learn the basics but it is hugely versatile and can be used to create a wide range of effects, from intricate detail to strongly graphic shapes, from sharp edges to soft textures, from strong vibrant colours to subtle watercolour-like hues. Linocut can easily be practised at home and doesn’t require a lot of equipment, making it a great creative hobby. But beware: it can be highly addictive!
This workshop is suitable for beginners and those with some previous experience. All materials will be provided. We will work on 20.3 × 15.2cm blocks, printing on A4 paper.
During the Linocut workshop you will learn:
How to carve safely using a variety of tools
How to create a range of carved marks, lines and textures
How to plan a design and transfer it to the printing block
How to accurately carve shapes and lines
How to ink up your block correctly
How to print by hand with a wooden spoon
How to print on a small hand press
How to mix colours and control transparency
How to plan a multi-block design
How to layer colours to produce other colours
How to accurately register multiple layers
How to create a range of printed textures
How to create a colour blend
How to keep your tools sharp
Which papers and inks to use for the best results
Outline Programme – Linocut in Colour with Nick Morley
Saturday
4.00 – Check-in time from 4pm onwards. Guests arrive, settle in and explore Clos Mirabel
6.30 – Welcome drinks and dinner
Sunday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Introduction to materials, carving demonstration, carving and printing a test block
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Carving and printing a simple design
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Monday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Drawing exercise in the surroundings of Clos Mirabel. Introduction to printing in colour (mixing and layering colours). Planning a two block linocut in colour
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Carving and printing the first block of your two block design
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Tuesday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Warm-up exercise, followed by carving and printing the second block
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Carving and print the second block and exploring colour blends and experimental inking techniques
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Wednesday – day off
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
We suggest wine tasting in local vineyard, explore Pau or beyond
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Thursday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Warm-up exercise. Planning your personal project
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Developing your personal project
6.30 – Aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Friday
8.30 – 9.30 Buffet breakfast of local and regional produce
10.00 – 1.00 Developing your personal project
1.00 – 2.00 Lunch at Clos Mirabel
2.00 – 4.00 Final printing session
6.30 – Evening exhibition in the studio followed by aperitifs before 4 course dinner in the Manor House
Saturday – Buffet Breakfast and departure (Check-out 11am)
The Art Studio, offers a spacious open plan layout of 75 m2. It is available at all times during your stay. Click here for more information.
Non-participating guests: we are more than happy to welcome non-workshop guests, accompanying partners, family or friends. There are plenty of activities to experience around Clos Mirabel, that will make your holiday unforgettable Click here for more information.
