In this two-day course, you will learn the basics of making a woodcut from experienced woodcutter Rudy Everts, who is based in Munich, Germany. We will carve an image (or a set of images, time permitting) that we will print in black and white. By the end of the course, you will have a thorough understanding of how to create woodcuts of your own.

We will draw a design, transfer it to a woodblock, cut the block using edge tools and print the woodblock by hand onto paper using printing ink.

Rudy has developed a woodcut style that draws inspiration from MC Escher, Wharton Esherick and Paul Landacre, and he has developed numerous shading techniques making woodcuts over several years.

What you will learn:

•⁠ ⁠The basics of making a woodcut
•⁠ ⁠Wood selection
•⁠ ⁠How to sketch your design on a blackboard using a soapstone pencil, or using a white pen on black paper
•⁠ ⁠How to design a woodcut (drawing the image) and convert the design to the block
•⁠ ⁠How to carve the block, cutting techniques, sharpening
•⁠ ⁠How to ink the block and print it by hand
•⁠ ⁠Paper selection
•⁠ ⁠Tips and tricks

Advanced students can learn detailed shading techniques, a topic with infinite depth

This class is suitable for beginners as well as advanced students. (If you have previous experience carving woodcuts it is a plus but beginners are welcome.)

Tool
A small (1 or 2mm) V-tool. (Rudy will have several to share, but if you have or can get one, please do.)

Cost
Cost: $525 (price includes all materials and lunch both days). Cancellations will be accepted up until four weeks before the class for a full refund. If a cancellation occurs within four weeks prior to the class date, a refund will be issued only if the spot can be filled.

For information on Covington, including where to stay and where to eat, click here.

If the class sells out, we recommend signing up for the waitlist – we almost always have to fill at least one space.