Lino & Jazz
Description
Printmaking using a variety of techniques including Lino reduction printing and tetra pack with more options to create really impressive results inspired by the sights and sounds of Barga.
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.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.
Join us for an immersive 6-day retreat in the heart of Tuscany. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in Linocut, Monoprintwhile surrounded by the inspiring beauty of medieval Barga. And this year this course coincides with part of Barga Jazz which is a well established music festival which has been running for over 40 years.
Retreat Details
Medium:
Linocut, Monoprint, Silkscreen printmaking
Skill Level
All levels
Availability
Open
Jane Richardson
I'm often busy with the day-to-day work at Quattro Archi, so I really appreciate the need to make some creative ME time where I can think, feel inspired, relax, create and try something different. This is what this retreat is for and I love the opportunity to help artists do their own thing.....but not alone. 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 work is 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 painting, sketch or print more than a picture.
What's Included
5 full studio days/classes
Welcome drinks
6 nights accommodation with a good breakfast
Materials and a variety of papers (others available to buy)
Self catering kitchens if you wish to cook
Duomo tour
Short walk to shops, restaurants and cafes
Tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks in the studio
Transport from Pisa Airport to Barga
Sample Schedule
Day 1: Welcome & Introduction to Workshop. Welcome drinks on the terrace. Dinner.
Day 2: Introduction to studio and lino techniques. Outside gathering local ideas and inspiration for first lino cut. Transfering your idea to the lino. Well earned aperitivo!
Day 3: Cutting your design into the lino. Demonstration of reduction print process. Print first lino miniprint
Day 4 and 5: Work on larger lino reduction print. Print first colour and then second.....
Day 6: Repeat patterns, tetrapack printing, intaglio printing techniques. Finishing your main print. Exhibition.
Day 7: Departure.
Getting Here
What's Not Included
𝐗 Flights, lunch, dinner, travel insurance, return travel to airport
Accommodation
We offer comfortable rooms in the heart of Barga, each thoughtfully designed to provide a peaceful retreat after your studio time. All rooms feature traditional Tuscan character with modern amenities.
☞ Quattro Archi
Nearest airport is Pisa with taxi, train, bus and car connections to Barga.
Most guests arrive via Pisa or Florence airports and continue by train to Fornaci di Barga station (plus short taxi ride) or take the E5 bus from Lucca which drops you just a short walk from Quattro Archi. Or take our free minibus from Pisa and Lucca on the afternoon of the day of arrival (usually at 15:00 but to be confirmed) . We're happy to help you plan the easiest route and can arrange local transfers if needed.