A Saturday Morning Adult Printmaking Workshop divided across two week-ends

An adventure into monoprint, carborundum and chinecollé inspired by artist Eska Marsh

The Great Flee, 2024
Drypoint on Somerset velvet paper 

by Eska Marsh

Drawing the Myths: From Charcoal to Print

Course overview

Inspired by the myth of Pegasus and the bold, poetic print works of Eska Marsh, this one-day workshop explores the relationship between drawing and printmaking as a means of visual storytelling. Participants will work from dramatically lit horse figurines, developing expressive charcoal studies before translating their imagery into print through carborundum, drypoint, monoprint and chine-collé techniques.

Throughout the two mornings, participants will experiment with line, tone, texture and layering, exploring how a drawing can be transformed through different printmaking processes. The workshop encourages an intuitive and exploratory approach, with an emphasis on expressive mark-making, material experimentation and the creation of personal, myth-inspired imagery.

Day 1

Drawing the Myths: Movement, Story, Form

The workshop begins with an introduction to the myth of Pegasus and the bold, poetic print works of Eska Marsh. Using horse figurines arranged under theatrical lighting, participants will explore movement, gesture and atmosphere through a series of loose charcoal drawings.

These charcoal studies will provide the starting point for the printmaking processes explored throughout the course.

Carborundum Print-making

Building on their charcoal drawings, participants will develop a textured carborundum plate inspired by their Pegasus imagery. Creating tonal areas and Drypoint lines to introduce finer details.

The session introduces the relationship between relief and intaglio approaches, demonstrating how texture and line can combine to create depth and atmosphere.

Day 2

Pulling Prints and Chine-collé

The second morning focuses on pulling prints from the carborundum plates developed during the first session. Participants will explore the inking, wiping and printing process, discovering how variations in ink application and pressure can influence the tonal range and overall character of their prints.

Through a series of test prints and considered adjustments, participants will have the opportunity to evaluate and refine their images, developing an understanding of how the printed result can evolve through experimentation.

The session will also introduce chine-collé as a way of incorporating colour, form and additional layers of paper into the printed image. Participants will experiment with the placement of coloured tissue papers, exploring how these elements can enhance their imagery and bring new dimensions to their Pegasus-inspired compositions.

The workshop will conclude with an informal group discussion and sharing of work, reflecting on the processes explored, the discoveries made through printmaking and the individual directions taken by participants.

Each participant will leave with a collection charcoal studies and original carborundum prints, with chine-collé variations that demonstrate a range of approaches to texture, colour and composition.

Details

Duration: 2 Morning Sessions

Saturdays, 10am – 1pm

Dates:

November 21st and 28th

All materials provided

Number of Participants: Minimum 6, maximum 8

Fees

Fees: €150 per person

For those on no or low incomes we offer one place at zero cost.
Please email us directly should you wish to apply. No questions asked.