Sheena Vallely has a Masters in printmaking from Camberwell College of Arts and has received awards in printmaking including Intaglio Printmaker and The Birgit Scïold Prize. Sheena exhibits in nationally and internationally and her work is in private and public collections including Tate Library.

Printmaking with carborundum is an acid-free process in which different grades of carborundum grit and chalk are separately mixed with acrylic emulsion and applied in different ways to an acetate or to a metal plate. When dry, the plate is inked and printed similarly to an etching. It is a versatile and an editionable process.

The procedure for a two-plate carborundum print is exactly like that for a two-plate etching. Positioning and placement of your marks and choice of colour for each plate will play key roles for a successful two-plate print.

Course structure day one:

• Demonstration of the technique with examples of two-plate prints and plates.
• Explanation of how to make the mediums and their application.
• How to plan out a two-plate image.
• Make two A4 plates.
• How to ink up and wipe down the plate.
• Proofing each plate using the etching press.
• Inking up two plates and how to register each plate using the etching press.
• Further work with two plates and trying different colour combinations.

Course structure day two:

• Appreciation of plates and prints from day one.
• Plan and make two more plates, leave to dry.
• Further methods > combining monoprint with carborundum plate, examples given.
• Demonstration of how to mark out monoprint plate and overlay with carborundum plate.
• Further inking up and printing day one two-plate combos / today’s two-plate combo, etc

Pre-course information

• Notes will be forwarded to participants prior to course.
• NB All materials for the masterclass will be provided. Bring sketchbooks and things for starting points. Sheena will be happy to make suggestions if you have nothing at hand to study.

Experience level

• Suitable for those with basic printmaking knowledge and for those wishing to expand their artistic and printmaking skills.

Maximum 8 places