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I love to see people arrive with relatively little printmaking skill and help them learn something new ......and surprise themselves with the results.  It is a joy to see someone's face as they peel their very first print hot off the press from the lino to reveal their unique creation......a smile every time!  I also love the buzz and excitement which accompanies the end of course pop-up show in our adjacent gallery.  Often this is the first time people have had the chance to show anything in a public place and they love it!

Art and making have always been a central part of my life.  Drawing was a favourite activity as a child which evolved into a graphic design degree and career teaching art and design to all ages.

My own work starts with observations, photography and sketching inspired by architecture both in Italy and Scotland as well as a particular favorite woodland where I have been able to record the turmoil of our changing climate alongside the wonderful magic of our natural environment.

My prints are loose, busy and full of pattern with an element of freedom and expression which I use to convey that moment in time, that sense of place, that atmosphere which makes an original print more than a picture.

PRINTMAKING 2026

The Jane Richardson printmaking course at Quattro Archi is a fantastic creative learning opportunity.  It's a great way to learn a new skill or expand your existing knowledge in sufficient depth that you can take it with you and continue to use, develop and expand your printmaking to make it your own.

You will learn the planning, drawing, carving, inking and printing skills which make up the reduction printmaking process.  The beautiful Tuscan village environment will help you slow down, find the opportunity to learn new processes and give you time to observe your surroundings, the Barga heritage, architecture and colour.

We start the course searching for that 'sense of place' as we explore the cobbled streets and sunlit piazzas of our medieval  town overlooking the spectacular Apuan mountain range between us and the azzure Mediterranean sea.  We gather inspiration from the people, their  centuries old buildings and traditions as we soak up the rhythms of Italian village life.

From your drawings and inspiration, Jane will help you evaluate options to select an image or two to work with and ultimately produce your finished masterpiece on the gorgeous Gunning printing press.  There are various options to make multicolour reduction prints, multi-plate prints, tetrapack prints, incorporate collage and chine-colle so your can experiment and find your own style.

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At the end of the course we have a pop-up exhibition of the work to which the public are invited.  It has proved very popular with the local community who love to see what our students have produced.

You will leave with not only a portfolio of your work, masterplates and our comprehensive set of course notes, , but also a thorough grounding in printmaking which will help you continue printmaking with confidence on your own or at your local print studio.

We have a good level of flexibility, so if you need to head off for some outdoor fun or retail therapy or just chill, we can work round that so you still get the most from the course.

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What's Included
  • 5 full studio days/printmaking classes

  • Welcome drinks

  • 6 nights accommodation with a good breakfast

  • Materials and a variety of papers

  • Welcome dinner on the first night

  • Self catering kitchens if you wish to cook

  • Visit to a local gallery

  • Duomo tour

  • Wine and olive oil tasting

  • Comprehensive printed course notes for you to take away

  • Short walk to shops, restaurants and cafes

  • Tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks in the studio

  • Transport from Pisa Airport to Quattro Archi

LEARN MORE
Prices

We have eight rooms, three of which share two bathrooms and five rooms which have ensuite bathrooms.  Four rooms have double beds and four have twin beds. Please get in touch for more details and to discuss your requirements

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Type of Room
Number People
Number of people on course/workshop
Price per person inroom
Large double room, ensuite bathroom

2

2
1065
Large double room, ensuite bathroom

2

1
930
Large double room, ensuite bathroom

1

1
1639
Double room, ensuite bathroom

2

2
885
Double room, ensuite bathroom

2

1
750
Double room, ensuite bathroom

1

1
1283
Twin Room, ensuite bathroom

2

2
885
Twin room, ensuite bathroom

2

1
750
Twin room, ensuite bathroom

1

1
1283
Double room, shared bathroom

2

2
860
Double room, shared bathroom

2

1
725
Double room, shared bathroom

1

1
1229
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