CLASSES

Both novice and advanced printmaker will find DPW printmaking classes that accommodate and challenge their skill level.  Class sizes are kept to a minimum in order to facilitate individual instruction.​​​​​​​​​​

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Transforming the Ordinary: Exploring Collagraph Intaglio Printmaking with Everyday Materials

2-Day Workshop

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March 29 & 30, 2025

10am - 4pm

Instructor: Kai Liu

Fee: $370 + tax
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

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Maximum number of student: 8​

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Course Description: This workshop is designed to teach a professional printmaking process and transform everyday materials into art. The course will begin with an introduction to collagraph, a type of intaglio printmaking technique. On the first day, students will design and create their collagraph printing plates, which includes studying textures from the collected materials and properly preparing the plates for printing the following day. On the second day, students will learn about setting up the printing press, preparing the paper, modifying the ink, and executing the printing process. Each artist aims to produce five editions. Finally, there will be an introduction to the À La Poupee inking technique for creating a multi-colour print.

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Materials: The instructor will provide acrylic mediums for building printing plates during the class. Students are required to bring recycled flat materials such as packaging, cardboard, plastic, and fabric to create the matrix. The instructor may also offer limited intaglio ink and modifiers, or students may bring their own. Each student should supply their own etching paper and tools. A complete supply list will be provided at the time of registration.

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​Bio: Kai Liu is a Chinese-Canadian artist based in Vancouver, BC, known for his expressive depictions of abstract landscapes. He employs painting, printmaking, and mixed media to delve into the interplay between observed nature and imaginative imagery. Born and raised in China, Liu developed his artistic skills through formal academic training in his early years. His journey eventually led him to Canada, where he initially worked as a graphic designer in Ontario. Later, he found his artistic home in Vancouver and pursued printmaking at Langara College. Liu advanced his education by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Emily Carr University. During his MFA program, he taught in the foundation department and served as a teaching assistant in the print media studio at Emily Carr.

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Full Supply List:

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For Plate Making

• Acrylic Pouring Medium - Gloss 

• Acrylic Gel Medium

• Acrylic Sand Gel Medium

• Acrylic Paint – White

• Pencil

• Paintbrushes

• Palette Knives

• Palette Paper Pad

• Cardboards (Not Corrugated)

• Fabrics – Fine And Rough Textures

• Sandpapers 

• Utility Knife

• Scissors

• Any Recycled Flat Objects With Interesting Patterns (Optional) 

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For Printing 

• Etching Paper 22x30 In X 2 Pieces For Each Student. 

• Black Etching Ink

• Any Other Colour Etching Ink (Optional)

• Burnt Plate Oils

• Easy Wipe Compound

• Tarleton 

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ONE OF A KIND: MONOPRINTING ON A GEL PLATE

2-Day Workshop

April 26 & 27, 2025

10am - 4pm

Instructor: Jennifer Love
Fee: $320 + tax
Skill level: Beginnger to Intermediate

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Maximum number of student: 8​

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Description: Printing with a gel plate is a recent addition to the artist’s toolkit that often feels like it is in the realm of magic. It allows for multiple yet unique prints from the same plate, without a press. This workshop is suitable for those new to printing with a gel plate as well as experienced printmakers who wish to expand their skillset in an atmosphere of exploration and discovery. 

 

We will start with the fundamentals - colour blending and gradations, creating textures, using masks and stencils, the use of different viscosity paints, building a composition and registering multiple layers. On day two we will push the boundaries of what is possible, with transfer printing using a laser print of your own drawings or photographs, combining multiple techniques and layers in a single-pull print and more.

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Materials: Instructor can provide 6x6” gel plate at cost of $25 (or you can bring your own), plus some extra acrylic paints, stamps, stencils etc. for use during the class. Students will need to bring a soft brayer, paper, and acrylic paints. Full supply list will be provided upon registration. 

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Bio: Jennifer has been an artist and teacher for over 40 years. She studied textile arts at Capilano College in North Vancouver and was a founding member of Foxglove Fibre Arts Studio/Gallery on Bowen Island. From 2004 to 2014, she was the BC Representative for the international organization, Surface Design Association (SDA). She has exhibited and taught workshops on the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, Bowen Island, Saltspring Island, Vancouver and Calgary. 

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Multi-colours, One Block: Mastering Reduction Woodcut Printmaking

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April 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2025

6pm - 9pm

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Instructor: Kai Liu

Fee: $370 + tax
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate

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Maximum number of student: 8​​

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COMING SOON​

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Course Description: This workshop explores the art of reduction printmaking through the creation of two-colour prints from a single woodblock. Suitable for all skill levels, the workshop emphasizes layering, colour blending, and editioning. Night 1: Begin with an introduction to the technique, transfer the design onto the block, and start carving the first layer. Night 2: Print and edition the first colour while learning registration and ink application. Night 3: Further carve the block to prepare for the second layer, refining the design and technique. Night 4: Print and edition the final colour, completing your edition with precision.

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Materials: The instructor will provide a 6x8-inch birch wood block (or bring your own) and limited shared primary colour relief inks (or bring your own). Students are required to bring carving tools, pencils, transfer paper, and Stonehenge paper.

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​Bio: Kai Liu is a Chinese-Canadian artist based in Vancouver, BC, known for his expressive depictions of abstract landscapes. He employs painting, printmaking, and mixed media to delve into the interplay between observed nature and imaginative imagery. Born and raised in China, Liu developed his artistic skills through formal academic training in his early years. His journey eventually led him to Canada, where he initially worked as a graphic designer in Ontario. Later, he found his artistic home in Vancouver and pursued printmaking at Langara College. Liu advanced his education by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Emily Carr University. During his MFA program, he taught in the foundation department and served as a teaching assistant in the print media studio at Emily Carr.

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Full Supply List:

• Birch plywood block

• Pencil

• Transfer paper

• Carving tools: big and small U gauges and V gauges

• Stonehenge Paper 22x30 In X 2 Pieces for Each Student. 

• Relief Inks – black, white and four primary colours

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Please register online, in person or via phone during our regular gallery hours. You can also visit here or our Facebook page for updated course information and availability.

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PAYMENT OPTIONS

VISA, Master Card, or Debit.

 

WITHDRAWALS

With more than two weeks notice, DPW will refund fees minus a $30 administrative fee. With less than two weeks notice, DPW will refund fees minus a $50 administrative fee.

 

CANCELLATIONS

Courses may occasionally be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances. Should DPW cancel a course, we will issue a full refund or credit.