A 3 day adventure into the wonderful worlds of screen monotype and screen reduction printmaking where it is possible to create a small edition of work. This painterly process is something that Gail has been using for over 30 years in her own work. It brings a freedom to printmaking employing intuition and fast decision making, creating energetic imagery and capturing the inspiration from our beautiful surroundings. We will also be exploring water colour monotypes which is a much slower more leisurely process and reduction screen prints which create a small edition. Using the unique environment to inspire and relax this course will offer a chance to sketch and paint and to develop these into a series of experimental works.
Time out to have fun and play!
Gail Mason is an established professional artist and has spent many years teaching printmaking at Spike Print Studio in Bristol. She is a multi - award winning printmaker who exhibits widely and has had work selected for many open exhibitions including the Royal Academy, The RWA, The Mall Galleries, Society Of Women Artists and the Society Of Water Colour Artists. She was also elected the ‘Printmakers Printmaker’ at Printfest in Cumbria by her peers. She is a member of Somerset Printmakers, Bath Society of Artists and an RWA artist network member.
Gail loves to share art- making process with others to increase their confidence and ability to pursue their vision. She is a regular tutor at West Dean College.
People who’ve been on Gail’s retreats have said:
"I have recently returned from a printing course with award winning artist Gail Mason. Held at the beautiful surroundings of Westcott Barton. Gail is a friendly and approachable tutor, generous in sharing her extensive knowledge of printmaking giving each individual her guidance and encouragement. I thoroughly enjoyed it." - LH
"I loved the workshop. The opportunity to learn new printmaking techniques, Gail’s inspirational teaching and friendliness and the great company of other students in the magical setting of Westcott Barton where we were very well looked after, happily blended into an enjoyable creative Retreat". - MS
Please see Gail's website for further information and examples of her work.
Upon your arrival on the Monday afternoon, at around 3pm, you will be greeted by the team at Westcott Barton. The week will begin with a relaxed afternoon, settling into the accommodation, meeting fellow students. An introduction will be given by Gail, followed by a group dinner.
On Tuesday breakfast will be at 8.30 The teaching days start at 9:30 with a more in depth look at the processes we will be using.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are freely available to help yourself to during studio breaks.
Lunch will be available from 12:30pm but you can be flexible when you take this break.
The afternoon sessions will start around 2.00pm with another demo and then more time exploring process. Gail will be on hand to guide you throughout.
We will aim to finish at around 4.30pm with a look at the work made throughout the day with the session ending at around 5pm. There will be a group dinner at 6.30pm
Departure is on the Friday morning.
Day 1
Drawing in sketch books and gathering information in the lovely grounds of Westcott Barton. Being inspired by the garden, water features and buildings.
Working outside and in the studio, painting, drawing and using collage to develop some ideas that can be translated in the printmaking processes that we will be exploring.
Day 2
Using a small screen printing set up, explore water colour screen monotypes and direct painting screen monotypes. Experiment with paper stencils. Be inspired by the colours around you and build on the experiments from the previous day.
Day 3
Create a small edition of work through painting a blocking medium on the screen, and using a registration system to produce a small edition of work, or just pursue your own particular process, building on the experience of the previous day or painting and drawing in the wonderful garden environment, it’s up to you!
This course is suitable for all.
Gail will supply the screen medium and some pots and mixers to mix paint with for the screen and some pre mixed screen printing colours.
What to bring:
- Drawing media, e.g. inks with a dip pen or a variety of graphite or pencils, pens, charcoal, etc.
- Water colour paints (the cheaper the better)
- Acrylic paints
- Variety of water colour/ acrylic brushes
- A small cheap plastic serving tray approx A3
- Several sheets of A3 greaseproof paper
- Kitchen roll
- Small portable water container
- A watercolour palette
- Drawing board if you have one (there are some available)
- Sketchbook
- Some A3 watercolour paper
- A3 block of thin card/ or heavy smooth cartridge paper for screen prints
- A3 block of newsprint
- Scissors
- Some kind of glue, pritt stick /spray mount
- Apron
- Something to sit on outside (some easels and chairs are provided if required)
- Sun hat (we are in a garden room so just to be sure!)
Tuition, accommodation and meals during your stay, including an evening meal on day of arrival and breakfast on day of departure.
Single occupancy in secure room, with own bathroom facilities: £830 per person.
Single occupancy room or shared room (twin or double), but sharing bathroom facilities: £785 per person (minimum booking for two and both must be participating in retreat).
Non-participating partners sharing a course participant's room are welcome: £450 per person (includes meals) . This option is subject to availability.
We welcome non-residential participants on our retreats/courses - please enquire for further details.
The form can either be printed and completed by hand or filled out on your computer (Adobe PDF reader required). If the latter, please make sure you save the PDF once you have added your details and then email this back to us.
RETREAT BOOKING FORM (PDF) - please right click and save to your computer.
If you are travelling to Westcott Barton by car, please refer to our Location page for directions.
We suggest you download what3words and then use Google Maps within the app to provide you with directions to us. Please enter our full address and not just the postcode.
It is possible to pre-book a taxi from Barnstaple station. Please contact either VIP Taxi on 07868 311 773 and speak to Martin, or B-Line Taxis on 01271 322117.
If you are planning to travel by another means of transport please contact us for assistance.