Gelli Plate Printmaking - An Introduction & Creating Imagined Landscapes.  
Haddenham Arts Centre, Near Ely, Cambridgeshire. 
(Please see Additional Information Section for Further Details)
A maximum of 8 participants to allow for plenty of individual guidance.
 
In this creative workshop you will learn the basics of printing simple monotypes (individual unique prints) using a gelli plate, brayer/roller and acrylic paints. It is an ideal opportunity for beginners to learn this wonderful printmaking method, but is also suitable for those who want to extend their skills and confidence. No drawing skills are necessary for this process or workshop. Just your imagination!
 
You will be using this simple printmaking process to learn a number of different techniques to create colourful flower forms, flower patterns, shapes  and textures, which you will then select, cut and collage into one of more artworks on paper. 
 
•    09.50 Welcome - Coffee/Tea and Biscuits
•    10.00 Start
•    13.00 Lunch Break of approx 30 - 40 mins.
•    15.45 Finish
 
We will start with a basic introduction to tools and techniques and a demonstration to give you an overview of the potential creative fun and flexibility of this wonderful method of mono printing. I will have plenty of examples on hand for reference and inspiration. 
 
We will discuss colour combinations and colour confidence and I will guide you on how to mix paint colours, before you begin printmaking to create different patterns and textures using a number of different techniques.
 
Building on your skills you will learn how to make and use your own simple hand cut stencils to help gain an understanding of how to layer and print different colours to achieve different effects. 
 
Once you have built your collection of printed papers, you will go on to cut out the flowers and other elements with scissors. Craft knife/scalpels will also be available for those who are confident using one. I will help you recognise the potential of combining different pieces from one of more prints, using collage to create vases, decorative backgrounds or simple arrangements.
 
We will also discuss options for mounting and framing your work. Behind glass, on wood panels and as greetings cards.
 
The gelli plate lends itself to creative play and experimentation and it is this relaxed and spontaneous approach that often leads to the happiest and most unexpected results. You will discover the prints themselves often ’tell you’ how they want to be used!