Discover the Best Block Printing Classes in Los Angeles
A relief printing method popularized in 3rd century Asia, block printing uses carved surfaces to stamp images, text, and patterns onto textiles and paper. If you’ve ever used a rubber stamp, then you’ve handled a block before, but many blocks are also carved out of wood and linoleum, which have the potential to create much larger prints. Believe it or not, block printing is the method behind prominent artworks such as Hokusai’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa and Hasui Kawase’s Twenty Views of Tōkyō.
Block printing is still a popular and enjoyable skill to learn, and includes even more creative avenues thanks to its long evolution. European linocut printing, one of the most popular techniques today, makes use of soft, easy-to-carve linoleum to create intricate designs in diverse sizes. On the flip side, many print artists like to challenge themselves with reduction printing, a technique where a single block is re-carved between inkings to create a multi-layered print. In addition to printing on paper, block printing is also popular for embellishing fabrics.
Why You Should Learn Block Printing in Los Angeles
Have you ever looked into starting a creative hobby and then changed your mind when you realized how expensive the supplies were? Well luckily, block printing tools are pretty cheap in comparison to many art mediums. In addition, block printing opens plenty of avenues for making money off your designs, whether it’s selling prints on ArtPal or offering custom-made blocks to buyers on Etsy.
What’s more, you don’t need to have Michaelangelo’s talent to create a beautiful block print. All you need is a bit of patience, and a few hours, and you can fall in love with creating beautiful custom stamps, distinctive fabrics, and unique wrapping paper. In addition to letting your right brain roam free, being able to work with your hands will give you a chance to slow down and live in the moment, which has powerful calming effects on your mental health.
In-Person Block Printing Classes in Los Angeles
In studios around the world, you can learn block printing from experts who are ready to answer questions and give you personalized feedback on your techniques. As you learn, you’ll also get the chance to connect with other artists in your area and make friends along the way. Thanks to plenty of hands-on feedback, in-person classes are a great way to develop your skills more quickly.
Along with a dedicated studio space where you can make a mess without worrying, most in-person courses will provide you with complimentary block printing supplies. Save yourself the hassle of figuring out where to purchase your tools beforehand by learning skills first and acquiring supplies later. Visit CourseHorse to find upcoming block printing courses in Los Angeles.
In addition to hand-printing with blocks, you can also learn The Fine Art of Digital Printmaking at the Los Angeles Center of Photography. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by how many different types of paper and digital printers there are to choose from, this class will give you a detailed overview of all the essentials you need to know about inkjet printing, including the lingo. You’ll not only learn about standard inkjet papers, but explore Resin Coated Photograde papers as well as handmade Japanese Washi papers. In addition, you’ll learn how to calibrate inkjet printers, work with camera settings, and adjust color profiles.
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at Japanese calligraphy, Santa Monica College offers a Japanese Calligraphy in Multi-Art Forms course that highlights the intersection between Japanese culture, history, and art. Kazuko, an experienced dancer and calligrapher, will share expert techniques, along with the history of calligraphy in Japan. As you learn how to create elegant brush strokes on rice paper, you’ll also get to experience Japanese poetry, music, and dance.
Virtual Block Printing Classes
While in-person classes come with fully equipped classrooms, live online block printing classes offer an equal yet distinct set of benefits. Being able to join a live class from home not only makes it more feasible to fit learning block printing into your unique lifestyle but can make it possible to learn new skills when local classes grow sparse.
Meanwhile, there’s no need to worry about missing out on real-time interactions with teachers, because live online classes provide plenty of opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback. You may even make a few long-distance friends along the way.
Although online block printing classes don’t usually provide complementary supplies, most instructors will provide you with a detailed list to help you find the right tools and materials before you start class.
Along with block printing, you can also explore additional print mediums, including organic photography. The Penumbra Foundation offers a four-week Anthotypes and Other Organic Processes course taught by Anne Eder, who is a professor of Photography at Cambridge University. With plenty of helpful demonstrations, you’ll learn how to print your own series of photographs using the juice extracts and pigments from plants. The class culminates with a supportive group critique of your work, allowing you to grow forward.
Calligraphy is another way to stretch your creative abilities, and with Evanston Art Center’s online Contemplative Calligraphy course, you can add guided meditation to the roster. As you improve your calligraphy technique through practice, you’ll also engage in calming meditation. Along with plenty of opportunities to practice, instructor Kare Daughtry will also open the class for question and answer sessions, as well as discussions on calligraphy layout.
Private Group Block Printing Classes in Los Angeles
Need a creative activity to encourage team-building in your organization or business? Get both sides of the brain working by joining one of CourseHorse’s block printing classes for private groups in Los Angeles.
In addition to block printing, CourseHorse also features group classes on other printing and embossing related topics. For instance, with a Virtual Sun Printing Workshop, your group of up to 100 can learn how to create beautiful blue relief prints with chemical dyes and the sun. If you have a group of over 500, you can try a Virtual Wood Burning Workshop and learn how to add beautiful dark patterns to wood using heat. Both courses come with all materials provided.
If the class of your dreams isn’t showing up on CourseHorse immediately, don’t lose heart. Through CourseHorse’s online contact form, you can easily request new courses, and they can set up a private block printing class that meets your group’s needs.
Booking private classes through CourseHorse is convenient and flexible. Sign up with zero booking fees and receive confirmation in under 24 hours. If more people RSVP for your event after you’ve booked, it’s never too late to change your group size. CourseHorse is 100% willing to accommodate changing plans.