Workshops for Winter/Spring and Summer 2024
I did neglect to post for Fall, so I’m making sure to update early for Winter/Spring. Now updated through June, and I should have all the Summer info up soon.
The Art Students League of Denver web site is open now for registration for Spring classes. I have one available beginner class in March, which is my beginner class, Monotype Starter. Remember, print classes are smaller, so space is limited. I’ll post the details and link for that class below, soon. Here are descriptions and times for all types of classes I’ll offer in the Spring and Summer. There will be a limit of 8 per class, with defined single occupancy work areas, and more time reserved for our cleaning protocols, which were strict before, and since the pandemic, are considered crucial. The general descriptions are below. There are links to videos I’ve made about monotypes, as well.
My Monotype Blast workshop is a one-day weekend sampler for beginners. A lot of the prep work is done for you, you just print! It’s possible for some to get 6-8 small prints done, and it’s a great way to see if you like the process enough to pursue it
Spring Blast was in February. There will be another in Fall ’24.
Monotype Starter: Intended as a step-by-step tutorial on the basics of printing and print room protocol. This is a live, in-studio class. You will be certified to use the room independently upon completion. The dates will be March 12, 19, 26, and April 2, 1-4:30 PM. It runs for 4 weeks. It’s registering now, and there are seats left. People have concerns about midday, midweek classes, and this one will have an evening version this Summer.
Monotype Portfolio: is for people who’ve had printmaking experience ( such as Monotype Starter, above) and who want to continue their explorations. We do a refresher in color, then march bravely forward into Chine Colle, and other more advanced techniques. Advice is available for framing and entering work into shows, too. Your second career awaits! I will offer this in April, 16th, 23rd, and 30th, and it continues into May, the 7th and the 14th. Again, I try to provide alternative times, and right now I’m thinking Fall weekends? You can click ‘Comment’ if you have other suggested times.
Monoprint Mad Science: It is a companion to Monotype Portfolio, and a step forward from Monotype Starter. It’s intended for those who’ve had Monotype Starter or a previous printmaking class, or perhaps some art school experience, and explores quick and fanciful techniques to incorporate relief, dry point, collograph and other repeatable elements, into monotypes, using everyday materials.
Monotypes At Home (Online): features hand rolling techniques for home printmaking and is offered as an online course. I will be offering this again in the future, stay tuned.
There is a lot of printmaking fun that can be done at home, with hand-rolling and up-cycled materials. Fast-paced class introduces print concepts, and easy clean-up.
my online class, featuring the non-toxic and non-odorous Akua water soluble inks will attract those outside the metro area. Online classes are NOT as limited for size, if you live out of town and have been wanting to learn about my techniques, welcome!
Non Toxic Etching: I’ve taken a week long series of workshops in non toxic intaglio, as I describe here. These techniques provide all the effects of traditional etching techniques, but without using toxic inhalants, acids or grounds. My Modern Intaglio: Etching Workshop will be back when demand justifies. It’s on indefinite hiatus as we re-align and concentrate on new protocols.
Kids Camp Mad Science Monotypes Workshops For Summer: These are for kids aged 11-13 or 14-17 years old. These will happen, with the teen camp scheduled in June, and middle schoolers in August. They’re 5 day camps, and they are registering now.
Denver Public Library Workshops
The library is apparently planning on a re-launch for the Plaza classes program, and I’ve heard they’ll have a different format, being combined with ESL classes I did a couple of these at Steele Library as a trial, and they were fun. I recommend them, although I won’t be participating this Spring.
Videos and Writings About Monotypes
I did make a video focusing on hand-rolled monotypes using Akua water-based inks, and that is available free, here. I converted this, along with my 5 years’ experience teaching hand rolling printing at libraries around the Front Range to an online program of 4 weekly sessions. We can’t do everything we can do in studio, on a press. But we can do a lot, and anyone who does have a press in their home studio is welcome to join, too.
The links for scheduled classes will activate upon opening so check back. Workshops are given in the large, airy print studio on the second floor of the school’s historic Richardsonian Romanesque home in West Washington Park. My multi-part monotype course, Monotype Starter, and its follow-up companion, Monotype Portfolio (note: adults are free to choose which materials, water based Akua or traditional oil-based inks they want to use in all my workshops).
For a fun, impressionistic overview of monotype technique, watch this short video I produced at Denver’s Open Press Studio.
Why Monotypes?
Along with the hows of monotypes, we also discuss the whys. I treat monotype as its own medium, with its own advantages, as opposed to a way of executing in ink a drawing or painting. “Ghost” prints are prominently featured, as they provide a way forward to new discoveries which may “unblock” or push an idea in exciting ways. I review composition and color theory for those who may desire that, and we gather for friendly discussions that may provide valuable input. “Here is A Brief Essay on How and Why to Make Monotypes” Two newer posts in the series are “How and Why to Do Black and White in Monotypes” and “Color in Monotypes” I’m often adding new posts that expand on class discussion. If you have questions about the things covered, click “Contact Me”.
Art Students League Workshops: Register Online Here
You call call a real human registrar at 303.778.6990. Or try online registration. There is a new waiting list function, which I recommend, as there are often last minute cancellations.
With all workshops, the emphasis is on fun, safe social interaction and unlocking creative skills. Please check back often to get the latest on upcoming workshops, or if you have questions, contact me directly by clicking “Contact Me”. I look forward to seeing you in the print room!
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@ArtstudentsLeagueDenver @Joehigginsmonotypes
