An introduction to gelli plate printmaking, a relatively new form of printmaking which doesn’t require a press. Working on a gel plate, transfer and layer your designs to produce exciting multi-layered prints. These can be printed onto different surfaces including coloured papers, wood and fabric.

Using acrylic paints and household emulsion paints makes this an affordable method to continue in your own time and add to your toolkit of processes.

Initially, in the morning, you will be following a structured course which will enable you to get to grips with this process and learn the basics. You will learn to understand the many ways of applying the paint to the plate and then ‘pulling’ the print. Using selected colour palettes, layering to enrich with additive and subtractive methods. You will make a series of art postcards to investigate and apply the methods learnt.

You will learn how to use stencils to mask, ‘ghost’ printing and subtracting paint from the plate. You will use textured materials to print onto the plate then transfer onto many different surfaces including different papers, i.e., coloured, textured, tracing paper and fabric etc. You will be encouraged to experiment with your own ideas, exploring endless possibilities to produce several one-off prints.

There will be mini demonstrations throughout the day to ‘drip feed’ different techniques as you are working.

You will take home many prints along with the skills and confidence to continue making work at home. Teaching will be given in the form of practical demonstrations of techniques, one-to-one tuition and instruction on use of equipment.

Included

On this course the College will supply most of the materials including white and coloured card, paper, tracing paper, tissue paper, a 4B pencil and a black fine liner pen per student and some acrylic paints, charcoal and chalk pastels to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

You are encouraged to bring visual source material and ideas; think about shapes! This is optional as you will be provided with everything you need.
If you want to try printing on fabric or wood, you will need to bring it with you. An apron​ Any old paint brushes you may have (decorators or hogs hair – nothing expensive) Any acrylic paints and household emulsion tester pots you may have at home that you would like to try (paints are provided).

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions