Woodcut Printmaking “En Plein Air”

Woodcut Printmaking “En Plein Air”

Adult Course | Available

9901 E 16th Ave Aurora, CO 80010 United States

Print Studio and Drawing

All

6/6/2024-6/27/2024

9:00 AM-12:00 PM MDT on Th

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$222.00

$188.70

$14.00

Goal: for participants to produce edition(s) of 5 black and white fine-art woodcut prints from their sketch(es) or drawing(s) made “en plein air.” The drawing transfer, block carving, inking and printing can take place on location, depending on the participants’ acquisition of a small, portable table and camp stool, tool box, small portfolio, and collapsing 2-wheeled cart, and, of course, the weather. Instruction: Participants will be introduced to wood and paper types, carving tools, inks, brayers, and printing tools (printing press not required) used in making woodcut prints. We will discuss how to store and safely transport paper, ink, tools, and equipment so that participants can set up shop in an outside location temporarily, in order to make woodcut prints “en plein air” (weather-dependent). Along the way, we will discuss sharpening and honing carving tools, the effects of hardness and porosity of wood, mixing oil-based ink to proper consistency, proper application of ink to the woodblock, hand-printing techniques to achieve desired results, and techniques to repair mistakes. We will also briefly discuss multi-block color prints, and color/reduction woodcut prints. To see more of Michael's works, visit his website: https://michaelkeyesarts.artspan.com/

  • This class will be held plein air with locations given upon registration. Students must have drawing experience and be able to carry their own equipment and walk at least 1/8 a mile to the location.

    If weather becomes an issue, class will move to a sheltered area.

    Classes will be held at/near Red Delicious Press located at 9901 E 16th Ave, Aurora, CO 80010
  • The cost of woodblocks, ink, paper, and supplies are covered in the lab fee, and carving tools are available for use as needed.
  • Participants must bring a sketchbook or drawing paper, and pencils, to produce a reference drawing for the woodcut print to be produced. Instructor will have additional woodblocks and sheets of paper available for sale. *Suggested: portable table, camp stool, tool box, small portfolio, and collapsing 2-wheeled cart for transporting.
  • I recommend a hat or an umbrella with a vent for staying out of the sun, and shading your eyes. Also, bring extra water.

    Bring a backup sketch, sized 5 1/2" x 7 1/2"
Keyes, Michael

Michael J. Keyes Aurora, CO 720-579-8760. Michael is a painter & woodcut printmaker, & received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree from Wright State University in Dayton, OH, & a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree from Ohio State University in Columbus. His areas of specialty are drawing, painting, and printmaking. He uses pencil drawing as the “entry activity” and basis for painting and printmaking. He enjoys the tactile sensation of carving blocks of wood, & developing the dramatic starkness of imagery in the prints made from them. The woodcut prints range from-black-and-white, colored multi-block, or hand-colored prints. The subject matter of the prints includes winter landscapes, rural and urban scenes & events, & domestic still life scenes. He is a member of Park Hill Art Club, Aurora Artists Guild, Art Students League of Denver, & Red Delicious Press. His recent exhibitions include one-person shows at Red Delicious Press, Kaladi Coffee DU campus, Aurora Cultural Arts District (ACAD) Gallery, & University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Health Sciences Library Gallery. Group Shows include “Traditional Printmaking,” at Core New Art Space, “Gateway to the Rockies” Exhibition at the Aurora History Museum, Members’ Exhibition at the Aurora Cultural Arts District Gallery, “Press Play,” at Lincoln Center for the Arts in Fort Collins, “Pressing Matters,” & “Saving Face” at Art Students League of Denver, Exhibition “528.0”, an exhibition of prints at the Arvada Center for the Arts, in conjunction with “MoPrint” (Month of Printmaking 2020). He won Award of Merit  (shared first place) at the Escalante Canyons Arts Festival, 'Best of Show'" at 'National Arts Program, Front Range Show', & ‘Best of Show’ at the Project Worthmore exhibition, “Our Neighbors, Our Selves".