Japanese Woodblock Printing Workshop

Learn the traditional art of Japanese woodblock printing.



1.5 hours Class size 1 to 8 (public classes), 2 to 3 label £10
In this engaging printmaking workshop in Lancaster, you'll learn the art of Japanese woodblock (Mokuhanga) and create your own unique prints to take home. Using the Provincetown white line printing technique, you'll carve and print your woodcut on shina plywood with Japanese washi paper, painting delicate textures with watercolour paints.
For beginners, this class offers a supportive environment where you'll gain hands-on experience and guidance every step of the way. You will:
Gouge out your white lines using a V gouge (Sankakutõ) to isolate areas of different colours
Paint these areas with artist-quality watercolour paints
Lay the paper on top and apply pressure with a spoon, fingers, or a baren to push the pigment deep into the fibres
You'll find that pale, delicate textures can be overpainted to create denser, darker tones, allowing you to build up your print with confidence.
The workshop takes place in the beautiful Storey Gallery, set against the inspiring backdrop of the Watersheds 'Works about Words' art exhibition. You'll be surrounded by work from 30 artists who have drawn inspiration from the poetry of Tom Bowker, my late father, adding a personal touch to the creative atmosphere.
By the end of this activity, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Mokuhanga and a sense of accomplishment, along with your own beautiful prints to take home and cherish.
Knowledge required
No skills or knowledge required
 
What you'll get
You will take home your carved block of shina ply, your completed prints, and some spare paper to take home with you. I hope you will also be inspired to join me on future, full-day classes where we can explore the technique in much more depth.
 
What to bring
You are welcome to bring some ideas for a simple multicolour image, or feel free to use our resources on the day. You will be working on a block 11 x15cm in size.
 
Location

Watersheds Exhibition in The Gallery - The Storey, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

5 mins from Lancaster train station and a short walk from the bus station. Lancaster park & ride at Junction 36 of the M6 will bring you into town in 15 minutes. Dallas Rd is the nearest car park.

Japanese Woodblock Printing Workshop location
More about this class

This class is new, and is covered by ClassBento's money-back guarantee.

Your teacher

I have been teaching printmaking at Iron Press Printmaking in Lancaster for the last 6 years. Traditional techniques are my favourite; drypoint etching, linocut, woodcut, monotype, collagraph, etching and most recently, Japanese woodblock (Mokuhanga)
Printmaking is accessible, fascinating, absorbing and addictive. Sharing these skills allows people to create beautiful, unique images without the pressure of being able to draw or paint.
Small class sizes allows for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

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1E57MXLBSX b30fa37a8c654059964d2a78c24cea95 production Yorkshire GB london