Printmaking Courses

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.

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: JULY TO NOVEMBER 2024

PAINTERLY & TRACE MONOPRINT – FROM SKETCHBOOK TO PRINT
SUNDAY 28TH OF JULY / 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.

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.

STEP BY STEP SILKSCREEN WEEKEND COURSE
SATURDAY 31ST OF AUGUST AND SUNDAY 1ST OF SEPTEMBER  / 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.

PRINT BASICS: RELIEF & INTAGLIO – LINOCUT AND DRYPOINT
SATURDAY 21ST AND SUNDAY 22ND OF SEPTEMBER  / 10AM – 3PM EACH DAY
PRICE €150
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €135
MEMBERS PRICE €115

LP’s PRINT BASICS course is designed to provide participants with a firm grounding in, and understanding of two methods of printmaking while also showcasing their possibilities. This weekend course will on the first day focus on the highly recognizable relief technique of linocut, before exploring the intaglio process of drypoint etching on the second day.

A linocut is a type of relief, or block print, and bears a lot of similarities to woodblock printing. Essentially, the artist carves an image into a linoleum (lino) block and the remaining surface of the block is inked and printed.
The lines that are carved away do not receive any ink so it is those lines that form the image in contrast with the inked surface.

Drypoint is a printmaking technique from the intaglio family, in which an image is incised directly into a plate with a hard-pointed “needle” of sharp metal, rather than into a surface coating or ‘ground’ applied to the surface of the plate.
Drypoint etching is undertaken without the use of any acids and for the purpose of this course, LP will use acetate sheets which are a helpful aid when transferring sketches and drawings. Intaglio prints in an opposite manner to relief, with ink gathering where any cuts or marks are made and with the flat surface areas of the plate being wiped back.

The course is designed for beginners or those seeking a refresher in printmaking.
On this weekend course, participants will learn about designing & transferring an image to both lino and acetate – and the key differences when working with relief and intaglio, safe carving and mark-making techniques,
registering a print & inking up correctly, before printing multiples of each design using a professional studio press or by hand (using a spoon or barren).
Each participant will print one linocut and one drypoint (both between A5 and A6 in size) using simple designs, patterns and images of their choice.

Course sizes are strictly limited in order to ensure each participant has ample group & individual learning opportunities and the focus is centred on a fun and enjoyable learning experience in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
All material costs are included in the course fee.

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.

BUILD YOUR SKILLS: 8 WEEK EVENING SILKSCREEN COURSE
WEDNESDAY 18TH OF SEPTEMBER – 6TH OF NOVEMBER / 6.30PM TO 9PM EACH DAY
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.

BOOK ASSEMBLAGE & CYANOTYPE WEEKEND COURSE
SATURDAY THE 5TH & SUNDAY THE 6TH OF OCTOBER / 10AM – 5PM EACH DAY
PRICE €190
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €170
MEMBERS PRICE €145

LP are hosting an exciting weekend course for both beginners & intermediate learners this October, giving participants an opportunity to explore and experiment with two different & distinct processes over a single weekend – that of book assemblage and cyanotype.

Tutor Suzannah O’ Reilly will first introduce the cyanotype process, which was traditionally used in creating blueprints for buildings & machinery, named as such because of the beautifully strong hues of blue the process produced.

Course content

• The course will begin with an overview of the process before moving to the darkroom where the group will learn how to coat paper with the light reactive cyanotype solution, before experimenting with exposures that incorporate the use of stencils, 2D & 3D items, text and sketches on Perspex etc  in order to create images.
• Course participants will also explore how to tint their cyanotypes with ink & dyes to broaden the colour palette within their artwork, before learning how to correctly wash and dry their prints.
• Suzannah will also teach two forms of book assemblage, with the group each making both a flexigon (accordion book),  & an origami star-book using paper & sections of participant’s own cyanotypes.
• Participants are also encouraged to bring any drawings and prints they may have previously made that they would like to consider including in their book assemblages.

This two-day course encourages experimentation through exploring multiple techniques that combine 2D & 3D work.
Participants will develop a range of skills with full support of LP tutor Suzannah O’ Reilly and will create a selection of work over the weekend.All material costs are included in the course fee.

LP tutor Suzannah O’ Reilly is a hugely prolific 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.

EXPERIMENT WITH MONOPRINT – 5 WAYS IN ONE DAY
SUNDAY 20TH OF OCTOBER / 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.

CREATIVE COLLOGRAPHS
SUNDAY 10TH OF NOVEMBER / 10AM TO 5PM
PRICE €85
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €75
MEMBERS PRICE €65

Collograph is a highly tactile & adaptable printing technique, with minimal technical knowledge required while being one of the more ecologically sound forms of printmaking.

The collograph process involves creating a ‘plate’ or matrix from cardboard or thin wood. The plate forms the basis of your image, upon which a wide selection of different surface materials, fibers and shapes can be layered. Building these layers will result is a richly detailed and textured plate that will then be varnished, inked up and printed.

Materials such as sandpaper, textiles including lace, bubble wrap, string, cut card, textured wallpaper, masking tape, carborundum, & natural foliage can all be used to create the collagraph plate – it’s a really hands-on and imaginative form of printmaking that allows the piece to develop as the plate takes shape.

During this course, each participant will:

• Make their own collograph plates using an array of different materials – a wide selection will be provided by LP on the day but participants are welcome to bring additional textures if they desire.
• Varnishing plates.
• Learn how to then correctly print their plates while considering & learning about – Safe use of presses & adjusting pressure, ink application techniques, plate registration, troubleshooting etc.

Finish the course with a selection of handmade prints.

NEW COURSE!

ADVANCED SILKSCREEN WEEKEND COURSE
SATURDAY 23RD AND SUNDAY 24TH OF NOVEMBER / 10AM – 5PM EACH DAY
PRICE €240
PRICE WITH DISCOUNT €220
MEMBERS PRICE €180

LP’s advanced silkscreen weekend course is the next step up from the studios incredibly popular step-by-step silkscreen weekend course. Course participants will learn in a practical way, completing each step of these advanced techniques themselves & also learning through observing others in the group, with full tutor support. LP’ advanced weekend course is aimed at those with a baseline level of experience in silkscreen printing who are looking to elevate their work by incorporating new techniques – in this case flocking and varnishing.

Silkscreen is a hugely popular print method that can encompass so much – text, photographic imagery, sketches and mark–making, graphics plus many layers of colour. This advanced course builds participants skillset to incorporate surface textures

Advanced screen techniques will cover

• Flock Screen printing, also known as flocking, is the method of adding a range of textures to the printing surface of choice. For the purpose of this course we will be supporting participants in experimenting with carborundum as a texture. Carborundum is a textured grit that comes in various levels of texture which is often used in stone lithography.
• Incorporating areas of varnish, be they matt or gloss, is a way to enhance the surface design of silkscreen prints and add striking visual effects.
• Foiling using gold foil, caroborundum and various pigments
• Participants can avail from a selection of pre-printed designs or can bring their existing artwork to work from
• Using equipment safely
• Printing: registration of image, paper selection, printing technique, troubleshooting
• Cleaning / maintenance of screens

All materials are included in the course fee.

Please note that as this is an advanced course all participants must have a base level of silkscreen printmaking experience.

If you are unsure if you meet the threshold of experience needed for this course please get in touch with us and we will be happy to advise.

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.