Monoprinting Illustrations: Short Course

Explore the illustrative potential of monoprint!

During this 3‑week course, you will gain a material‑based understanding of monoprinting techniques, with and without a press. You will explore working alongside text, drawing on memory, visual references, and historical illustration. Imaginative prompts will be provided, and you will also have the opportunity to work from a text of your own choosing. Participants will be advised on methods of presenting and sharing their work.

By the end of the course, you will have developed confidence in monoprinting as a medium, explored responding to text through image‑making, and experimented with mark‑making, tone, and colour.

All materials are included in the price (speciality paper is available to buy in our shop).

Who it's for

Perfect for: Anyone interested in learning or developing monoprinting skills, particularly those who enjoy illustration or working with text. Ages 16+

Dates & times

25th April 2026: 10:30am – 4:00pm

Bank holiday weekend

9th May 2026: 10:30am – 4:00pm

16th May 2026: 10:30am – 4:00pm

Price

General Admission £230.00 + booking fees
Student Admission £165.00 + booking fees

What to expect

Week 1: Demonstration of the monoprint process and guided practical session exploring mark‑making and monoprinting on acrylic plates. Group activity responding to poems and spoken word.

‍Week 2: Introduction to colour mixing and painting with monoprints, including hand‑colouring. Discussion of artists such as Paula Rego and Josephine Birch.

‍Week 3: Using your own chosen text to create final monoprints using techniques explored across the course.

What you need to bring:
Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting inky.
Please bring a water bottle.
Aprons and gloves are available.
There will be a lunch break — bring a packed lunch or visit Market Hall café (1‑minute walk).
Tea and coffee are provided.

Facilitator

Ruby Bradshaw is a painter and printmaker, graduate of Arts University Plymouth and remote student of the Royal Drawing School. Her practice focuses on material‑led investigation, including egg tempera painting and traditional printmaking methods. Her work is informed by poetry, literature, natural history, and the natural world. She is committed to inclusive arts education and is based in Plymouth, Devon.

Materials

Speciality papers are available to purchase if needed.

Please bring ideas, images, or sketchbooks for inspiration.