Contemporary Printmaking for Beginners

Explore a range of traditional and non-traditional printmaking processes including relief printing, intaglio etching and screen-printing. Annabelle McEwen will introduce you to traditional, contemporary and experimental approaches to printmaking, including some that can be practised in your own home studio. Learn to integrate different processes such as stencilling, layering, chine colle, frottage, image transfers and embossing. Annabelle instructs you with all the technical information you’ll need to learn about printing materials, surfaces, methodologies and how to edit your own print run. This course is designed for students with limited experience of printmaking techniques, who want to begin their journey into an exciting and challenging artform, and develop their skill set in the medium in a fun and supportive studio environment.

*Short courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. For students under 16 years of age there are School Holiday Workshops, Art Club and other youth art programs.

Annabelle McEwen is an artist practising on Gadigal Land (Sydney) with a Bachelor and Masters’ degrees in Fine Art, majoring in Printmaking. Her art practice uses printmaking techniques to consider the relationship between digital landscapes and the body. She has been shown in numerous exhibitions, most recently including BLACKBOX, at Schmick Contemporary, Edition Three at Bankstown Arts Centre, and Freaks of Nature at Ambush Gallery. Annabelle was awarded The Ellen O'Shaughnessy Printmaking Award in 2019. Her work is in the collections of The University of Southern Queensland, The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Curtin University Western Australia, Southern Cross University Lismore, The National Art School Archive and University of New South Wales Art and Design Zine Nook at Paddington Library.

For the first class bring these items:

• Ideas – such as drawings, photos, images, maps, diagrams, text, books, or any kind of prompt for content for class projects
• A4 Visual Diary or sketchbook
• Drawing media – range of pencils and pens etc
• Lino carving tools – a small set available at any art store
• Protective clothing – old shirt or apron, covered footwear

Important: Throughout the course you will be required to purchase printing papers, and some other materials, which are available from Parkers and most other art suppliers. Annabelle will discuss the various plates and papers during your first class. The National Art School will supply all printing inks and other necessary equipment.