PHOTOGRAPHY & PRINTMAKING WORKSHOPS
in Spain & online
Escape the busy world. Allow yourself time and space to develop your artistic skills through tuition, inspiration and practice with a variety of individual workshops to choose from...
WHAT IS PHOTOGRAVURE PRINTMAKING?
Photogravure printmaking originated in the late 1800s and is widely regarded as the most challenging, labour-intensive and beautiful of the photographic printing processes. A photogravure, or photo-etching, print is produced by mechanically pressing a sheet of paper onto an etched, inked metal plate. The result is a beautifully detailed print with a full tonal range from deep blacks to bright highlights. Unlike other photographic prints where the image lies on the surface of the paper, with a photogravure, the image is literally pressed ‘into’ the paper. Due to the nature of the process, each print is a unique, hand-crafted object, with a depth and textural feel unlike anything else in this age of mass digital printing.
The modern version of the process, referred to as polymer or solar-plate photogravure, is a low-toxic alternative to the chemically hazardous copper-plate etchings of the past. It combines the precision and health improvements of modern technology with the manual craft of the traditional process to produce photographic prints of astounding beauty and refinement.
I teach direct-to-plate (DTP) polymer photogravure, a further improvement on the process made possible using modern Epson printers. DTP simplifies a complicated process and eliminates the need of a vacuum frame, transparency films, stochiastic (aquatint) screens and potential problems associated with double exposures. I use a calibration method that is simple but accurate, ensuring a full reproduction of tonal values in equally measured steps, from rich blacks to bright highlights. The DTP approach allows the printmaker to concentrate more on creative matters than on technical ones.
You will learn how to print a calibrated photographic image onto a polymer metal plate, expose it to UV light and etch it by processing it in water. Oil-based inks are rolled onto the plate and pressed into the etched grooves. The plate is gently wiped to reveal the image. The deeper grooves retain more ink than the shallower ones, corresponding to the tonal range of the image. Then the plate is positioned on the bed of a traditional printing press with a dampened sheet of paper placed on top of it. They are rolled - or ‘pulled’ - through the press, and the always exciting result is a unique hand-crafted photogravure print.
For further information on the history of traditional photogravure printmaking see The Art of Photogravure and Graphics Atlas.
THE PRINT STUDIO
The 2 studios are fully equipped for polymer photogravure printmaking, digital image processing and Giclée inkjet printing. The equipment includes a UV light exposure unit, indoor/outdoor exposure meters, a 50-year old Harry Rochat cast iron etching press, a digital printing station with a calibrated Eizo monitor and an Epson SC-P800 A2 printer. There are various options for photography sessions, indoors or outdoors, for portraiture and still-life, with pro-lighting, stands, backdrops and props, plus there are numerous locations around the property for studio-backdrop set-ups and other outdoor photography.
The materials for photogravure printmaking will include Toyobo polymer plates, Charbonnel oil-based inks and a range of quality etching papers. Inking tools, gloves, wiping cloths, studio aprons, cleaning supplies, paper towels, etc, will be provided. There are sufficient materials for the course. Additional plates and papers can be purchased if needed.
THE LOCATION & THE ACCOMMODATION
The workshops are held at Casa Cabaza, a creative, retreat centre charmingly renovated from an old stone farmhouse and located on the shores of a countryside lake in the wonderfully green countryside of rural Galicia, northwestern Spain. Participants are offered self-catering accommodation consisting of a spacious ensuite bedroom, a lounge/eating area, fully-equipped kitchenette and a small terrace area overlooking the gardens and the lake beyond. There is ample storage space, with linen and towels provided. If you don't have your own transport, we can help with shopping trips to the local supermarkets.
Casa Cabaza is a peaceful, creative place in a beautiful location. Far from the busy world and close to nature, it is ideal for learning and developing new ideas and work. It is also our home, and that of our dogs, horses, cats and free-ranging chickens. In our spare time we enjoy gardening, horse riding, reading and writing, cooking healthy meals, music and connecting with the nature and life around us.
The ethos at Casa Cabaza is similar to the philosophy that shapes our permaculture-inspired, organic vegetable garden and our approach to horse training. We aim to create an environment that allows for the growth and development of both the individual and the collective in a holistic and respectful manner. A greater learning and sharing of knowledge, ideas and inspiration, is achieved through connecting and (partially) working with others.
For more info see Casa Cabaza
THE CLASSES
PHOTOGRAVURE MASTERCLASS
A comprehensive workshop that covers all aspects of direct-to-plate (DTP) polymer photogravure printmaking.
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Processing digital image files for photogravure using Photoshop
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Printing direct to the polymer plate using an Epson SC P-800
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Calibration of polymer solar plates for accurate tonal reproduction
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Exposing the plate in measured UV light (UV unit or sunlight)
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Processing the plate and preparing it for print
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Inking, wiping and pulling the plate through the etching press
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Personal tips and techniques
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Includes sufficient art materials for the class
PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAVURE COMBINATION CLASS
This workshop consists of the following elements::
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Photographic shoots of your choice, e.g. landscape, portraiture, still-life or using natural or studio lighting.
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Cataloguing, editing and processing images using Lightroom and Photoshop.
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Hands-on experience of polymer photogravure &/or Giclée printmaking.
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The photogravure session includes processing the plate, then inking, wiping and pulling the plate through an etching press to produce a unique, hand-crafted photogravure print.
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Tuition and technical assistance are provided at all stages.
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Lighting and studio set-ups are available for still-life and portrait shoots.
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Suitable for participants with any level of experience using any means of digital image capture (DSLR or a smartphone). What matters is that you use your tools creatively.
DATES & SCHEDULES
All workshops are now offered on an individual, private basis. Dates are by arrangement. Don't hesitate to enquire about availability.
A typical day may consist of 4 - 6 hours of work with breaks for meals and drinks, time to rest, reflect and do your own thing.
The sessions are intended to shape the flow of ideas and work, allowing you to develop your skills and practice, not to restrict them.
While there won't be the dynamics of a group session, the benefits of an individual session are many: full access at all times to equipment, personal tutor attention and to be able to tailor the session according to your needs as you go along. Plus you will not need a full week unless you wish to spend extra time printing - and perhaps even some photography as well. Galicia is a beautiful and ancient part of Spain, there is a lot to photograph here!
Email to enquire about a workshop
GENERAL INFO
INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOPS
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Cost:
€900 for 2 days / 3 nights
€1300 for 3 days / 4 nights
€1700 for 4 days / 5 nights
€2100 for 5 days / 6 nights
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Includes private, self-catering accommodation at Casa Cabaza. An ensuite double bedroom with a lounge and kitchen with facilities to prepare your own food and drinks.
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Optional excursion to the ancient, Roman-walled city of Lugo for a visit to the regional museum's collection of Spanish etchings followed by a traditional Galician lunch.
NOT INCLUDED
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International &/or long distance travel.
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Personal, health &/or travel insurance.
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Additional art materials.
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Food & beverages.
TRAVEL
Nearest international airports are:
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Santiago de Compostela, 1.5 hours
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A Coruña, 2 hours by car
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Porto (Portugal), 3 hours by car
Local train station is Monforte de Lemos
Train station & airport pick-up/drop-off can be arranged.
For more travel info, see Travel
NON-PARTICIPATING COMPANION
A non-participating companion is welcome to share your accommodation for an additional fee of €20 per day/night. Separate accommodation for a friend may also be arranged.
EXTRA NIGHTS
You wish to extend your stay to suit your travel requirements &/or to see more of the region's attractions. For more info see here.
For all bookings, see Terms and Conditions
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
“Thank you for your patience and skill as a teacher. It was a privilege to experience your passion and expertise. Casa Cabaza is a marvellous place to be; the energy is calm and it allows for space to think and to wonder.”
“The workshop was exceptionally well planned, with a super smooth workflow and generous sharing of knowledge. It was a unique experience and cannot be recommended highly enough!”
“Thank you for all your help, technical advice and hard work. The workshop was extraordinary and it feels like I have made a huge leap forwards with my craft. I learned so much and enjoyed it a lot. So much was achieved.”
“I am so grateful for the quality of the instruction, plus the exquisite experience of staying at the heaven of a place at Casa Cabaza.”