Each July, Hopton Hall near Ashbourne in Derbyshire offers Artists free access to the Estate’s extensive grounds and gardens to create artwork inspired by their surroundings.  Artists are given the opportunity to explore the walled rose garden,  including the quirky Crinkle Crankle Wall and  11-metre-high Summer House.​  If they wish, they can submit their finished work into the Month of Art competition.

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As part of this years MONTH OF ART,  I will be holding Drypoint printmaking workshops for you to come and have a go at creating your own original drypoint print on site.  All materials and equipment is provided so all you have to do is turn up and have a go.  

Mounts and picture frames will be available ( must be pre-ordered at time of booking up until May 30th) so your print will be ready to submit to the MONTH OF ART competition exhibition if you wish. Individuals must register their artwork individually to enter the gardens for free and enter the competition, this will not be done automatically by booking a workshop.

 

The Drypoint technique is suitable for anyone with an interest, no prior artistic or printmaking experience needed, it is direct and quick.  

The process involves engraving (drawing) lines with a sharp dry- point into a smooth surface.  Ink is pushed into the engraved lines and then the surface ink is removed by gentle wiping, leaving ink only within the marks. The plastic drypoint plate is then printed using a traditional etching press which pushes damp paper into the marks, lifting the ink out and transferring the image onto the paper.

Thus producing an original print.

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​Each Artist will produce an A6 original drypoint print using black ink on traditional printmaking paper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​There will be two sessions each day, starting at 10.30 and 1 pm. These will start from a gazebo on the front lawn facing the house. At the beginning of the session I will give a demonstration of the technique including how to print the drypoint to the whole group and give out all the materials you will need.  You can then go off at your leisure to explore the grounds and to produce your printmaking plate in your own time. It advisable to bring something to sit on, either a stool/deckchair/picinc blanket.

When you have finished drawing your image onto the plastic you will then return to the gazebo to take your print. Please return to the gazebo anytime up until 3.30 pm when the last prints will be taken before the end of the day. (avoiding 1-1.30pm when I will be demonstrating the technique to the second group) 

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Booking is recommended to secure your place on the workshops as places will be limited.  Booking in advance will be £45.00,  if you decide to take part in the workshop on a drop in basis this will be charged at £50.00 per person although places will be limited.

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This is an ideal introductory session to try out the drypoint printmaking technique in a relaxed no pressure environment and produce work to be exhibited in the competition exhibition without having to bring along your own materials etc.  It also provides a unique opportunity to meet up with friends and family amongst beautiful surroundings and be creative in a relaxed and no pressure environment.

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All Artists wanting to participate in the art competition must register individually prior to arriving 

otherwise they will be charged to enter the site.

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Please click on  MONTH OF ART and INFORMATION FOR ARTISTS for more details.

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