Wildacres Fine Art Retreat

During the retreat you'll have the opportunity over three afternoon sessions to discover the tactile art of handmade prints in this dynamic, hands-on introductory workshop. Designed for complete beginners as well as artists looking to expand their mark-making vocabulary, this session explores core relief carving and expressive monotype techniques in a collaborative studio setting. Working with both easy-carve rubber and traditional unmounted linoleum, you will learn to safely transfer imagery using tracing methods, carve clean lines, and pull crisp impressions. Experience the versatility of hand-printing with barens, spoons, and bone folders, as well as printing with a Woodzilla relief press. Alongside block printing, you’ll experiment with fluid trace monotypes on plexiglass and layer colors using quality relief and screen print inks on beautiful specialty papers, including delicate Thai Kozo.

What You Will Learn

• Image transfer strategies using tracing paper, Sharpies, and Duralar/Mylar
• Safe gouge handling and relief carving techniques on linoleum and rubber blocks
• Inking with brayers, palette management, and paper dampening/handling
• Pulling impressions via traditional hand-burnishing and a relief press
• Spontaneous, one-of-a-kind image making with trace monotype

Materials Provided

All tools and materials—including carving blocks, gouges, inks, brayers, specialty papers, and printing equipment—are fully provided. You’ll leave with a varied edition of original relief prints, unique monotypes, and the foundational skills to continue printing at home.