Printmaking Techniques
Below are some of the core techniques Mandee and Hugo love to teach. They’re always experimenting and finding new twists on traditional printmaking. Participants are encouraged to explore, play, or focus on precision—whatever fits your goals. However, we do ask that participants work within the structure of the workshop rather than pursuing independent projects, so everyone can benefit from shared instruction and studio time.
Paper is provided for each project and some experimentation, but if you tend to use a lot, please bring extra. For paper recommendations, contact Mandee - mansch@mac.com
Monoprint/Monotype
Monotypes are unique prints created by pressing paper against an inked or painted surface. Unlike most printmaking techniques, each monotype can only be printed once, resulting in a one-of-a-kind image, though a faint "ghost" print can sometimes be pulled afterward.
CMYK Monotypes
This technique uses multiple transparent color plates to build an image through layered printing. By overlapping primary hues, you'll discover how a full range of colors and values can be created. The process is painterly, encouraging both spontaneous experimentation and intentional mark-making.
Stencil Monotype Printing
Stencil monotypes combine color layering with crisp, graphic quality of hand cut stencils. Shapes are cut from paper or other thin materials and placed on the printing plate to block ink, creating clean-edged forms and layered compositions. Stencils can be reused, rearranged, and combined with painted or rolled marks to build complex images. This process encourages experimentation with positive and negative space, layering, and composition, making each print a unique exploration of shape, texture, and color.
Relief
Relief printing is a technique where the image is created by carving into a raised surface with knives, gouges, or other tools. Traditionally done on wood or linoleum, the cut-away areas (negative space) remain the color of the paper and are integral to the design. The final print is a mirror image of the block.
In this workshop, we’ll use Japanese Shina plywood, a finely grained wood often used in mokuhanga printmaking. Its smooth texture allows for detailed carving, and the natural wood grain can often appear in the printed image, adding subtle texture. Participants will explore layers of multiple blocks and stencils, combining them to create interesting color combinations, textures, and depth. This method allows for a lot of experimentation and variation, producing different results with each print if desired.
Intaglio
A technique in which the image is incised into a plexi glass surface, filled with ink and transferred to paper. The term “Intaglio”, meaning “to engrave” or “cut into,” refers to the process by which an image is created by gouging, biting, or incising lines into the surface of a metal plate. The print is produced by filling the recessed marked and lines in order to transfer the image to damp paper. In the final piece, the image will print in reverse from the design on the plate and the ink will stand proud of the surface of the paper.
Drypoint uses a hard needle to create a scratch across the plate surface. This action creates a burr and flanges of metal or plastic fold back from the edge of the scratch. It is these flecks of plastic that retain the body of ink. The characteristic of a drypoint is softer, more furry line in comparison to the controlled clarity of an engraved or etched line. The drypoint is very fragile and generally does not sustain more than 20 good impressions.
Bookmaking & Mixed Media
*note: this is not generally a technique taught in the workshop but can accommodate with private groups.
Bookmaking and other mixed media techniques are often incorporated, time permitting. Techniques such as hardcover, softcover, Japanese stab binding, and Coptic stitch binding can be accommodated for private groups with ample notice. Typically, 1–2 days can be spent exploring creative book projects. Private groups also have the option to design a workshop tailored to their interests, incorporating any of the techniques above or ones previously explored with Mandee or Hugo.