Open Studio offers courses 3 times a year beginning in September, December and April. Courses provide a unique opportunity to work with professional printmaking artists, and are specifically designed for adults with no previous experience. Limited class sizes allow for individual needs and development. Classes vary in length of commitment, there are organized here in order of commitment. All courses and workshops take place at Open Studio, 401 Richmond Street West, Suite 104, Toronto, Ontario. Please forward inquiries to office@openstudio.on.ca.

Browse Courses Here

8-WEEK COURSES

Etching -Participants will work with metal plates and acid to create a range of images, textures and lines. The aquatint etching process, which produces a range of flat tones, will also be explored.

Lithography -Participants will learn to draw and paint onto the surface of a finely ground limestone, which is then chemically processed before printing.

Screenprinting -Participants will use direct stencil methods to transfer ink onto paper. This course is suitable for photo-based, hand drawn or computer manipulated imagery.

4-WEEK COURSES

Photo Etching -Participants will use photopolymer film to transform photographs, digital imagery or drawings into etchings.

CMYK Screenprinting -Participants will use four-colour process printing to convert photographic images into full-colour screenprints.

1-DAY WORKSHOPS

Linocut Relief Printing -Participants will explore different linoleum block cutting, inking and printing techniques using oil-based inks to create images of two or more colours.

Letterpress Printing -Participants will use a Vandercook press to explore letterpress block printing using linocuts, hand set type, dingbats and pre-exposed photopolymer plates.

WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

Mokuhanga Intensive -Participants will find out how to transfer and carve an image into a woodblock, which is then inked and hand printed on Japanese paper. Japanese woodblock printing is distinguished by the use of transparent and opaque water-based pigments and requires a hand printing tool.

Abstract Monotype on a Lithography Press -Participants will be introduced to the dynamic possibilities of monotyping on a lithography press. Hands on demonstrations will cover positive and negative mark making, paper handling, ink modification, and proper printing strategies.

Mezzotint -Participants will learn how to properly prepare a copper plate, creating a textured surface that will print as a full black. Mezzotint is a non-acid, intaglio technique that produces rich blacks and soft tonal gradations.

T-Shirt Screenprinting -Participants will learn the basics of screenprinting t-shirts. No prior printing experience necessary. Participants will be able to purchase t-shirts prior to the workshop or can bring their own.

Collagraph -Participants will learn about collagraph plate making—originating from collage—by experimenting with non-traditional materials to create colourful and textured multiples.

OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The Open Session program allows participants who have printmaking experience to work independently with minimal supervision. The program is especially useful to students who want to transition from classes to renting at Open Studio. Open Studio’s Technical Director must approve registration. Please contact Open Studio for more details.

Private Instruction Customized sessions are arranged by a Technical Director to provide individuals with specialized instruction outside of standard classes. A minimum deposit of $100 is required. Please call Open Studio for more information.

Studio Tours and Demos

Open Studio offers a range of tours and demonstrations for post-secondary students, adult groups and corporate groups. Tours and demos are great opportunities for team building, social groups and extended learning. Tours are offered Tuesday to Friday, during the hours of 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, with a minimum of two-week advance booking. Please call 416-504-8238 for more information.