Developed in Provincetown, Massachusetts, around 1914, white line (or Provincetown) printing was a response to the complexities of Japanese woodblock printing. A group of six artists (including Blanche Lazzell and B.J.O. Nordfeldt) got together and created a new technique of carving and printing woodblocks, using scrap lumber found on building sites, watercolors, pen knives and common kitchen tools. Their work represented everyday life in Provincetown, in bright colors and simple forms that were easy to carve. Over the years, the techniques have changed very little, but subject matter has expanded as the craft has migrated around the world.
This class will teach you the basics of developing a drawing, transferring it to the block, carving and printing. No prior printing experience is necessary; no printing press is required; and the tools are simple to use.
Tuesdays, 8 weeks, 09/17 – 11/05, 2024
12:30 – 3:30 PM
Materials Fee (payable to the instructor): $75 (depending on if you need a tool kit or other materials)
Materials provided: Reference materials, including books and photos, along with examples of the process and completed work. A smlla
Students must bring from home or purchase these materials for the class:
1.Pencil and eraser and Fine-line Ballpoint pen
- Metal ruler
- Notebook for taking notes on process and ideas
- Kuratake Gansai Tambi Watercolors Set of 48. These are available on Amazon, and cost about $50 for the whole set. They are very concentrated and have a lot of colors without having to mix very much. Plus, they last a long time. If you have a set of watercolors or gouache that you like to use, feel free to bring along what you have. You’ll need to include a palette. I recommend a 7” x 11” inch enamel butcher tray (also available on Amazon). The class has been enjoying using the Kuratake paints because the colors are perfect for printing, easy to use, simple to transport.
- Watercolor brushes. I will show you what I have when we meet. I like to have a variety of flat brushes and round brushes, plus a couple of liner brushes for detail. Bring along what you have before you start buying more. There are lots of nice sets on Amazon. I look for nylon bristles, and a set that has a mixture of rounds and flats.
- Paper for drawing. Can be as simple as copy paper from your computer printer, or you can get a tablet of drawing paper, whatever you prefer. I use all kinds of paper for drawing ideas.
- A 9” x 12” inch pad of tracing paper. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!
- Box of transfer paper in any of these colors” blue, red or graphite. You can use whatever color you have or prefer, just do not use carbon paper, as the wax of the paper will interfere with the paint adhesion when you are printing. I always have some in class, so don’t worry if you forget this.
- Roll of artist or painter’s tape. This should be low tack. Do not use masking tape or transparent tape. 3M low tack removeable adhesive tape is ideal; it has the same tack as post it notes, is easy to move and does not tear paper.
- A spoon. This can be wooden, stainless steel, silver or silver plate. A soup spoon size is ideal. You can also use a traditional printing barren, but the spoon is traditional.
