Printmaking Courses

At the heart of Limerick Printmakers’ ethos lies the belief that printmaking can and should be accessible to, and enjoyable for anyone developing an interest in the art form.
From our city centre location, we run a range of printmaking courses for adults throughout the year that appeal to individuals from all backgrounds – from those who are learning about the possibilities of printmaking for the first time to those who wish to refresh their existing skills or develop them to a highly proficient level.

The appeal of printmaking lies in the fact that there is a huge array of different techniques
& skills available to the individual with varying levels of technical knowledge required.
LP strives to ensure our course programme accurately reflects the potential that printmaking
can offer each person and provides access to diverse and challenging methods.

LP has taught printmaking to people of every level of ability with very positive results.
LP also recognises that time is precious and often limited so offer maximum flexibility
by scheduling courses over half and full days, weekends and evenings.
You choose the level of commitment while LP provides the facility, expertise, and materials.

Our highly qualified tutors are all practising printmakers with ample teaching and facilitation experience. All courses are delivered utilising LP’s professional quality facilities and equipment.

Our Printmaking, Art & Photography Courses

– Silkscreen
– Silkscreen on Fabric
– Monoprint
– Woodblock
– Linocut
– Etching
– Photo Etching
– Aquatint
– Cyanotype
– Print for Primary Schools
– Beginners Combination Courses
– Weekend Courses – Combination Methods

If you have a specific course or method in mind that you would love to learn but is not listed above, please don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know.

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Discount Policy

All courses are priced to be as affordable and accessible as possible, with a discount
provided for seniors, students and those not currently working.

LP studio members can avail of a 25% discount on all LP courses.

* Confirmation of an individual’s status will be requested at the time of booking in order to avail of a discount.
Individuals will be asked to provide I.D./documentation to confirm their eligibility for the discount requested.

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Simply call or email to book a place on any of our courses.
Once booked, LP will then arrange payment.
The LP team are here to answer your questions so please do get in touch.

LP COURSES: FEBRUARY TO JUNE 2024

WEDNESDAY 21st FEBRUARY to WEDNESDAY 10th APRIL
BUILD YOUR SKILLS: 8 WEEK EVENING SILKSCREEN COURSE
6.30PM – 9PM EVERY WEDNESDAY
PRICE €300
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €275
MEMBERS PRICE €225

LP’s 8-week Build Your Skills: Silkscreen course is an excellent way in which to develop fluency across the key aspects of silkscreen. Participants are taught in a practical way, engaging with each step manually with full tutor support, while also learning through observing others
in the group. Repetition across the weeks’ supports the development of new & more ambitious ideas as knowledge & confidence grows, alongside participant’s comfort level of working within the space.
The course level is aimed at everyone from complete beginners & those who are eager to refresh or expand their existing silkscreen skills.

Silkscreen is a hugely popular print method as it’s so versatile.
It’s a print method that can encompass so much – text, photographic imagery, sketches
and mark–making, plus many layers of colour. Silkscreen produces clean, punchy images
with a strong graphic quality and more refined, delicate images. Details stay crisp and sharp while colour pops off the page.
LP’ evening screen course is ideal for those eager to get to grips with the basics of silkscreen in order to work towards creating their own printed t’s, totes, photographs, posters, flyers & artwork.

Step-by-Step Silkscreen will cover:

• Image selection and conversion of imagery using common software
• How to transfer images to screen & exposure of screens
• Using equipment safely
• Printing: Registration of image, ink & paper selection, printing technique,
trouble shooting, creating two colour prints
• Cleaning/ maintenance of screens

All material costs are included in the course fee.

PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
SUNDAY 25th FEBRUARY
RELIEF: COMBINING CUT & ETCHED LINO
10AM – 5PM
PRICE €85
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €75
MEMBERS PRICE €65

This relief printmaking course is aimed at all levels of experience including beginners,
and will guide participants through multi-plate printmaking using two very different approaches.

Tutor Ultan McAvinue will demonstrate the different effects and detail that both cut
and etched lino can add to a print. Each participant will first cut one piece of lino with a design
or image of their choice, before a second piece of lino/ image will be created using a very different method. Cutting into the surface of the initial piece of lino allows for creation
of an accurate image, while etched lino creates a range of alternative mark-making
with less controlled results.

Etched lino is created by applying a caustic soda based solution which eats into the surface
of the lino in a random pattern. Please note that this process does involve the use of chemicals that can be dangerous if used incorrectly, so applying the solution to etch the lino will always take place outside or in a very well ventilated area of the studio.

Participants will then be supported in printing both linos together/ over one another.
The course will incorporate –

• Transferring imagery to the surface of the lino
• Safe use of cutting tools
• How to block out surface areas when etching lino
• Safe use of the caustic soda solution
• Inking up/ Ink Application
• Registration of prints to ensure the most accurate overlay of both linocuts
• Using professional standard printing presses
• Correct cleaning of linocuts

Use of all tools and materials are included in the course fee.
Taking into account that this is a one-day course, & in order to maximize the learning experience for the group, all lino’s will be no larger than A5 in size.
Participants are asked that if incorporating any of their own imagery/ designs,
that they take into account the A5 size, & are not overly detailed or complex to ensure the best learning experience.

SUNDAY 3rd MARCH
PAINTERLY & TRACE MONOPRINT – FROM SKETCHBOOK TO PRINT
10AM – 5PM
PRICE €85
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €75
MEMBERS PRICE €65

Monoprint is a printmaking process that incorporates a number of different techniques, and its simplicity and the spontaneity with which you can experiment and create prints makes it a really attractive option for creatives of all types. It’s also a low tech form of printmaking and can be replicated in a home setting with minimal tools and equipment.
Monoprint is an ideal introduction to printmaking, particularly for those already familiar with painting and anyone who loves to play with making.

LP’ Painterly & Trace Monoprint course is a fantastic natural successor to its existing Experiment with Monoprint course in helping to further develop creative ideas & become more proficient with the possibilities of the process, but Painterly Monoprint is aimed at both complete beginners & those aiming to develop their skills so requires no previous experience.

Course Content
• The course will kick off with a group discussion about the wide range of monoprint techniques
such as additive, subtractive, texture, stencil, painterly and trace monoprints.
The class will then focus on the painterly and trace techniques and the tutor will demonstrate both techniques.
• Course participants will then experiment with these techniques through a number of quick, spontaneous exercises.
• The group can then use source imagery of their choice or any small objects – whether their own sketches, paintings, or photographs, images from books or magazine, or still life objects (fruit, vases, ornaments) as inspiration for producing their own painterly monoprint.
Course participants can also work in a freer manner to create free form abstract imagery or more impressionistic work.
• LP tutor Áine will provide one to one advice on which techniques of ink application will best serve your imagery and aims as the group work on their monoprints in LP’ welcoming studio.
• The group will then print their monoprints on LP’ professional studio presses and by hand using best practice, and with full supervision and support at all times.
• Each course participant will finish the day with a range of hand made artwork
and lots of ideas on how to continue their monoprint experiments.

Please note that in order to maximise the learning opportunities within this one-day course, all monoprints created will be A4 or smaller using high quality white card and sketching paper.
Course participants are welcome to bring a selection of their own papers if they wish to experiment further. Use of all tools and materials are included in the course fee.

SATURDAY 27th & SUNDAY 28th APRIL
STEP BY STEP SILKSCREEN WEEKEND COURSE
10AM – 5PM EACH DAY
PRICE €190
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €170
MEMBERS PRICE €145

LP’s Step-by-Step Silkscreen weekend course is a comprehensive introduction to learning
the process of silkscreen. Participants will learn in a practical way, completing each step themselves & also learning through observing others in the group, with full tutor support.
The course level is aimed both at beginners & those who are eager to refresh their existing silkscreen skills.

Silkscreen is a hugely popular print method as it’s so versatile.
It’s a print method that can encompass so much – text, photographic imagery, sketches
and mark–making, plus many layers of colour. Silkscreen produces clean, punchy images
with a strong graphic quality and more refined, delicate images.
Details stay crisp and sharp while colour pops off the page.
LP’ weekend course is ideal for those eager to get to grips with the basics of silkscreen in order to work towards creating their own printed t’s, totes, photographs, posters, flyers & artwork.

Step-by-Step Silkscreen will cover:

• Image selection and conversion of imagery using common software
• How to transfer images to screen & exposure of screens
• Using equipment safely
• Printing: Registration of image, ink & paper selection, printing technique,
trouble shooting, creating two colour prints
• Cleaning/ maintenance of screens

All materials are included in the course fee.

SATURDAY 18th & SUNDAY 19th MAY
INTAGLIO: MULTI-PLATE ETCHING – SMALL PLATES WEEKEND COURSE
10AM TO 5PM EACH DAY
PRICE €200
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €180
MEMBERS PRICE €150

LP’ latest intaglio offering is an enjoyable and ambitious course aimed at both
complete beginners and those with those who wish to build on their existing skills in the realm of etching.

The term intaglio refers to the range of printmaking methods where the image is created by drawing/etching lines & marks into the surface of a plate. When ink is applied to the plate and then polished off, the remaining ink stays in the lines drawn onto the surface and they form the printed image. Materials used as printing plates include among others zinc, aluminium, acetate, and copper.

Etching on copper plates captures really fine line and detail and is perfect for those who would like to utilise their skills in sketching and draughtsmanship and create new art work through printmaking.

The group will work with a selection of smaller pieces of copper in varying sizes of their choice (from very small pieces to A6) in order to both become comfortable with the techniques, and to experiment with deconstructing imagery & reorganising visual information. The range of small plates can be reordered & printed several times, producing a variety of results. With full support from LP’s tutor Suzannah O’ Reilly, all participants will finish the course with a range of their own intimate prints.

LP’s two-day course will include –

Copper plate etching

• Prepping copper plates
• Applying a ground
• Transferring/ drawing your images directly onto plates
• Etching with Acid
• Printing your plates
• Troubleshooting and common challenges
• Studio health & safety/best practice

Use of all tools and materials are included in the course fee.

SUNDAY 26th MAY
EXPERIMENT WITH MONOPRINT – 5 WAYS IN ONE DAY
10AM TO 5PM
PRICE €85
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €75
MEMBERS PRICE €65

This course is ideal for complete beginners to printmaking, artists seeking to use their existing skills
in a new way, printmakers seeking to experiment with a non-toxic, tactile process,
& anyone who would like to try something fun and new that could then be continued
at home with a few basic tools.

Monoprinting is a low-tech form of printmaking technique that involves applying ink
to the surface of a smooth plate to create images. With simplicity comes freedom!
The beauty of monoprints is that the application of ink can result in many different effects
& results & the process has a very painterly, experimental quality to it.
Unlike other forms of printmaking, each monoprint is entirely unique.

During this engaging one-day course, tutor Áine Finnegan will guide participants
through several ink application techniques.
The course will teach different monoprint techniques & styles including:
• Additive – Drawing directly/ working into an inked surface using a range of tools to create different marks before printing.
• Subtractive – Applying a sheet of paper over the inked plate and making marks on the back of the piece of paper.
The pressure will lift ink from the acrylic sheet to leave an image of what you have drawn on your paper.
• Painting with Ink – Directly onto a clean plate before printing over another printed background.
• Stencils – Allows for certain areas to remain clear or to be filled in with other colours/ mark-making.
• Textured monoprints – Incorporating the use of textured surfaces such as papers, feathers etc. into your prints.

Each participant can experiment with a combination of techniques and will finish the course with a selection of their own handmade prints. Please note that in order to maximise the learning opportunities within this one-day course, all plates supplied/ created will be A4 or smaller. Use of all tools and materials are included in the course fee
and we encourage participants to bring any collages/ sketches/ ideas
that they may like to work from with them on the day.

SATURDAY 22nd & SUNDAY 23rd JUNE
INTENSIVE PHOTO ETCHING WEEKEND
10AM TO 5PM EACH DAY
PRICE €190
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €170
MEMBERS PRICE €145

LP’ Photo Etching course will bring participants through the entire photo etching process,
with each participant completing the course with a set of prints made using their own photos.
Photo etching transforms photography by exposing imagery onto a light sensitive plate,
which can then be printed using a traditional printing press. This method does not employ the use of any acids and recreates digital and photographic imagery with high quality detail and definition.
The two-day course will cover all aspects of the process, from preparing and transferring imagery to plates using light activated materials and equipment, to inking and wiping techniques, registering your plate/ paper to ensure proper placement, safe use of professional printing presses, and trouble-shooting any minor challenges that may arise.

The benefits of the photo etching method are that the image on the plate retains its photorealistic qualities while providing opportunities to reproduce imagery in a number of new and different ways, and through an extended colour palette. This can provide an entirely new way of interpreting or working with existing photographs or imagery. This course will develop participants knowledge and skill level and is aimed at those entirely new to printmaking,
along with artists, printmakers, film students, and photographers seeking to up-skill and experiment within their practice. LP’s photo etching weekend course may also appeal to those interested in presenting or preserving family or historical photographs in a creative new way.
No previous printmaking experience is necessary.
Please note that due to time considerations, all work created will be A6 – A4 in size, with each participant having the chance to make more than one plate using their own source imagery. LP courses are limited to six people in order to maximize direct tutor support and advice. Use of tools and all materials are included in the course fee.

SATURDAY 29th & SUNDAY 30th JUNE
STEP BY STEP SILKSCREEN WEEKEND COURSE
10AM – 5PM EACH DAY
PRICE €190
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €170
MEMBERS PRICE €145

LP’s Step-by-Step Silkscreen weekend course is a comprehensive introduction to learning
the process of silkscreen. Participants will learn in a practical way, completing each step themselves & also learning through observing others in the group, with full tutor support.
The course level is aimed both at beginners & those who are eager to refresh their existing silkscreen skills.

Silkscreen is a hugely popular print method as it’s so versatile.
It’s a print method that can encompass so much – text, photographic imagery, sketches
and mark–making, plus many layers of colour. Silkscreen produces clean, punchy images
with a strong graphic quality and more refined, delicate images.
Details stay crisp and sharp while colour pops off the page.
LP’ weekend course is ideal for those eager to get to grips with the basics of silkscreen in order to work towards creating their own printed t’s, totes, photographs, posters, flyers & artwork.

Step-by-Step Silkscreen will cover:

• Image selection and conversion of imagery using common software
• How to transfer images to screen & exposure of screens
• Using equipment safely
• Printing: Registration of image, ink & paper selection, printing technique,
trouble shooting, creating two colour prints
• Cleaning/ maintenance of screens

All materials are included in the course fee.

LP TUTORS

Áine Finnegan is a printmaker and designer working in the field of visual communication.
A past joint recipient of LP’ Graduate Printmaking Bursary, her work features in multiple private collections.

Derek O’ Sullivan is an artist, printmaker, technician and tutor.
He has taught with LP for many years and is an expert on all things silkscreen related.

Pamela Dunne is a highly experienced artist, printmaker and tutor, having studied Fine Art at both Limerick School of Art and Design, LIT (LSAD),
and at the University of Ulster in Belfast.
She has contributed to countless printmaking collaborations and her work resides in both private and public collections including Office of Public Works (OPW) collection and the National Self Portrait Collection in the University of Limerick.
Dunne is also printmaking technician with Limerick School of Art & Design.

LP tutor Suzannah O’ Reilly is an internationally recognised artist, printmaker and educator.
She is a lecturer in Limerick School of Art and Design, and co-founder/ co-director of Parallel Editions, a fine art print editioning company based in Limerick city.

LP tutor Ultan McAvinue is an experienced printmaker, facilitator, and a highly skilled technician. He also sits on the board of directors of Limerick Printmakers.

OUR MEMBERS

  • Carol Kennedy

  • Helena Grimes

  • Clare Blackwell

  • David Lilburn

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