Join us for the first workshop in this exciting three-part series, “Printmaking with Botanical Materials.” In this hands-on session, we will introduce you to the world of gel printmaking, where you’ll use water-based inks, brayers, and gel printing plates to create stunning prints inspired by nature. Focusing on botanical elements like leaves, flowers, and seeds, participants will explore the beauty and texture these materials bring to the printmaking process. Through experimentation with color combinations and layering techniques, you’ll create one-of-a-kind, nature-infused prints, setting the stage for further creativity in the upcoming workshops. Whether you’re new to printmaking or an experienced artist, this workshop will offer you a fresh perspective on the natural world through art.
Workshop 1: Gel Printmaking with Botanical Materials – June 5th, 2025
Objective: Introduce participants to gel printmaking, focusing on creating prints with botanical elements.
Materials: Gel printing plates, water-based inks, brayers, botanical materials (leaves, flowers, seeds, etc.), various papers (rice, watercolor, etc.).
Activities:
Gel Printmaking Introduction: Brief explanation of gel printing basics, including how to use the plate, brayer, and botanical materials to create texture and layers.
Printmaking with Botanicals: Participants will arrange botanical elements on the gel plate to make prints, experimenting with different leaves, flowers, and textures to capture the natural world.
Creative Exploration: Allow participants to explore color combinations and layering techniques, aiming to create unique, nature-inspired prints.
Workshop 2: Botanical Printed Paper Collage – July 10th, 2025
Objective: Use the prints created in the first workshop to create botanical-themed collages.
Materials: Gel prints, scissors, glue, additional botanical images, patterned papers, and other collage materials.
Activities:
Collage Techniques: Introduction to collage basics—cutting, layering, and arranging printed papers to form a cohesive composition.
Botanical Design Focus: Guide participants in using their prints to create collages, focusing on the beauty and simplicity of plant forms. Discuss how botanical elements can be combined to evoke natural themes and designs.
Layering and Composition: Explore different ways to balance and layer paper, encouraging participants to work with repetition, symmetry, or contrast to create dynamic collages.
Workshop 3: Journal Making with Botanical Prints and Collage – August 14th, 2025
Objective: Teach participants to create a journal using their botanical prints and collages.
Materials: Collage materials from previous workshops, blank pages, binding materials (needle, thread, cardboard or chipboard), botanical images for decoration.
Activities:
Introduction to Journal Binding: Demonstrate a simple binding technique like pamphlet stitching to create the structure of the journal.
Decorating the Journal: Participants will decorate their journal covers and pages using their botanical prints, collages, and additional elements such as stamps, drawings, or stenciling.
Personalizing the Journal: Encourage participants to use their journals for future creative projects, notes, or sketches, giving them space to reflect and design with botanical inspiration
Who is Pam Smith?
Pam is a New Hampshire artist and printmaker. She is an avid gardener, and her creative inspiration comes from the natural beauty all around us. Her work ranges from botanical relief prints and monoprints to whimsical collages and often combines traditional printmaking, painting and mixed media.
Pam’s original linocut prints and monoprints are designed, hand-carved, and hand-pressed by hand at Art Haven Studio in Enfield. She has been an artist member of AVA Gallery, the Women’s Caucus for Art, NH, the Monotype Guild of New England, and the Women’s Rural Entrepreneurial Network (WREN) in Bethlehem, NH. She offers printmaking classes throughout New England.
https://www.art-haven-studio.com/
Cost:
Whole Series Members – $225
Whole Series Non-Members – $250
Individual class Members – $75
Individual class Non-Members – $85
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