Portraiture | Dry Point Etching
£75
[ Workshop )
Be inspired by Gwen John’s portraits and master the art of dry point etching with Richenda Court.
Under the expert guidance of artist and tutor Richenda Court, you will master the art of turning a drawing into a dry point etching. Taking inspiration from our current exhibition, Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris, the workshop will explore Gwen John’s approach to portraiture.
Engage in hands-on drawing exercises, compositional challenges, the exploration of portraiture techniques and unlock your artistic voice. By the end of this workshop, you’ll not only take home a piece of art in the form of a small print, but also a collection of sketches and newfound insight into Gwen John’s world of inspiration and way of working.
Immerse yourself in the artistry of Gwen John and discover your own creative potential.
You will also have the option to book a lunch with your workshop. Please find more information below.
Break down of the day
10-11am | An introduction to the class
Richenda will introduce you to the workshop and you will begin with some drawing exercises in portraiture.
11-11:15am | Comfort Break
There will be tea, coffee and water provided.
11:15-11:45am | Explore Gwen John: Art and Life in London and Paris
Richenda will take you on a tour around the key portraits in the exhibition and you will look for inspiration for your own work.
11:45am-12:30pm | Choosing your composition
You will return to the Studio and decide the final composition for your portrait which will be made into a dry point etching.
12:30-1pm | Lunch break with tea, coffee and a packed lunch provided by Pallant Café
You have the option to book a delicious packed lunch to enjoy during the break, delivered to you during the workshop. Indulge in the mouth-watering vegetarian Tart of the Month with a side salad, all for just £11. The meal is gluten free.
However, if you prefer to bring your own packed lunch, you’re more than welcome to do so. We want you to be comfortable and enjoy your workshop to the fullest.
All attendees will be provided with hot tea, coffee, or water throughout the day.
1-4pm | Learn the art of dry point etching
You will create a drypoint etching from the morning’s work and print the etching onto dampened paper.
Dry point etching
With this technique you scratch a design onto a plate made of metal or plastic. This design is then inked and pressed onto paper, creating a unique print.
The scratching process creates tiny grooves on the plate, which hold the ink. When the plate is pressed onto paper, the ink transfers, resulting in a printed image. The beauty of dry point etching lies in the rich, textured lines and the ability to capture intricate details. It’s a wonderful way to add depth and dimension to your artwork, allowing you to bring your drawings to life in a whole new way.
Artist bio - Richenda Court
Richenda trained in fine art and contemporary dance at Brighton University, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and Morley College.
Richenda is a full time printmaker. Her prints are inspired by fluid detailed line drawings; progressing subconscious idea’s not knowing where they may lead. This process is the foundation of her practice.
In 2021 Richenda was made an associate member of the Royal Society of Painters and Printmakers and this summer elected to the Council. Her work can be found in the Ashmolean Museum, V & A Museum and British Library. Richenda has exhibited extensively in the UK including Bankside Gallery, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Royal Society of British Artists at the Mall Galleries.
Richenda has taught printmaking for over twenty years and is a Printmaking Lecturer at Morley College, London. Richenda has also lead workshops at Bankside Gallery, The Lightbox Woking, Preston Manor High School, Westminster School, Hammersmith and Ochre Print Studio, Guildford.
