Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll dive into the world of mono drawing, mono printing, and letterpress printing. This 2-hour workshop offers an opportunity to experiment with various techniques while developing your printmaking skills in a fun and engaging environment.
Gray’s School of Art will celebrate its 140th anniversary later this year, we’ll create prints inspired by the theme ‘Gray’s 140’.
We’ll kick things off with mono drawing, a minimalist technique using just one colour to create expressive, free-form drawings. Next, we’ll move on to mono printing, where you'll learn how to transfer inked impressions from acrylic plates onto paper.
You’ll also have the chance to explore the traditional art of letterpress, experimenting with inking wooden letter blocks and pressing them onto paper to create bold, tactile prints with a distinct texture.
Throughout the session, we’ll work with oil-based inks and print on cartridge paper in A3 and A4 sizes. While the primary focus will be on monochrome prints, there will be room to experiment with colour.
The session will take place in our fully equipped printmaking workshop. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a set of original prints and the skills to continue your printmaking journey. Throughout the workshop you’ll be introduced to techniques that don’t require specialist equipment, so you can continue developing your printmaking practice at home.
Learning Methods
This course will be delivered on campus over 2 hours.
What to Bring
- A water bottle to stay hydrated
- If possible, bring your own apron/wear overalls (optional but recommended)
- A sketchbook and a notebook (optional)
- Sensible, flat, closed, footwear
What we recommend
- Old, comfortable, clothing
- No jewellery
- Something to tie back long hair
- Leave valuables at home
Activity Summary
- Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 8 in each group.
- 2 hours of teaching in total either 10:00 - 12:00 or 13:15 - 15:15.
AM workshop
- Registration: 09:50–10:00
- Workshop: 10:00–12:00
- Departure: 12:00-12:15
PM workshop
- Registration: 13:00-13:15
- Workshop: 13:15–15:15
- Departure: 15:15–15:30
Assessment
This course is not formally assessed.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Struan Hamilton
Struan Hamilton is a Scottish-born artist, renowned for his expertise in printmaking. Born in 1971, Hamilton pursued his passion for printmaking through extensive education and hands-on experience. He studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, followed by advanced training at the Atelier 17 in Paris in 1994, where he honed his skills in viscosity etching under the guidance of Hector Saunier.
Professionally, Hamilton has held significant roles, including Manager at the Belfast Print Workshop, 2D Team Leader at the University of Auckland's Elam School of Fine Arts and is currently a Technical Manager at Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen.
His artistic practice explores themes of "ruination and regrowth," blending man-made structures with natural elements to create textured etchings that reflect these concepts.
In recent years, Hamilton has collaborated on projects such as 'New Aberdeen Bestiary,' working alongside artists such as Pedro G. Romero and Delaine Le Bas to reinterpret the 12th-century Aberdeen Bestiary manuscript. This collection was developed over three years at Aberdeen's Peacock & the Worm, culminating in exhibitions that showcased an innovative approach to historical art.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course.
Required Age
Students are required to be at least 11 years of age on the day of the workshop.
The workshop is designed for young creatives currently in S1–S4 of secondary school (aged between 11-15 years old).
For Academic Year 2024/2025
Course fee: £30 per person for the course.
The fee is to be paid as part of sign up process and prior to workshop date.
After completing the registration form, you will be directed to the payment page. Your place on the course is not confirmed until payment has been received. If you have any difficulties locating the payment link or if you have registered for this course but have not completed the payment form, please contact us for a direct link to pay which will bypass registration.
Additional Costs
Essential core materials are provided.
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
Course Cancellation
If minimum participant numbers for this course are not met, the course will be cancelled and participants will receive a full refund.
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in advance. For further information see:
Any questions?
Get in touch with the Engage Team and we'll do our best to help.