Nature Sketchbooks & Printmaking Workshop participants from our Activity Camps, recently spent a creative day exploring the world of printmaking and art with Truro School Artist-in-Residence and practising artist, Rachael Coward.
Specialist-led days like this are a wonderful opportunity for children to step outside their usual activities, try something new and learn directly from creative professionals. Along the way, they develop new skills, build confidence and, of course, have plenty of fun with friends.
Rachael brought her own passion for printmaking, installation and artist books to the session. Her practice explores themes of heritage, language, place and belonging, and she has worked across the arts and heritage sectors in the South West and South East of England. Having completed a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design before graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Falmouth University, Rachael has also exhibited her own work and continues to develop her artistic practice alongside her role at Truro School.
The children began their day in the fantastic Truro School Art Studios, experimenting with a range of printmaking techniques, including Gelli printing and mono printing. They explored colour, pattern, texture and composition, using pencils, pens, chalks and mixed media to see how different materials could be combined.
The creativity didn’t stay inside for long, though. Taking inspiration from the natural world around them, the group headed outdoors to collect leaves, flowers and other natural forms. These became the starting points for nature sketching and observational drawing, as well as clay impressions made from objects they discovered.
Back in the studio, the children continued to experiment, working independently and together to develop their ideas. Their sketchbooks gradually filled with an array of colourful prints, drawings and creative experiments – pieces they could take home and share with their families.
There were plenty of smiles throughout the day as the children discovered new ways to be creative, experimented without worrying about getting everything ‘right’ and let their individual artistic styles shine in a supportive environment.
Fancy giving your young artist a chance to explore printmaking?
We have a limited number of places remaining on our final specialist printmaking course of the season. This session is designed for a slightly older age group of 11–16 years and will be led by Truro School Art Teacher Gizela Daemi-Rashid.
The workshop will introduce students to a variety of printmaking techniques, including Gelli printing, mono printing and screen printing, with plenty of opportunity to experiment and create their own work.
"I wish to say a massive thank you for the help and support we were given. Everyone looked after us splendidly and without a doubt a good time was had by all. The facilities were excellent and the evening a great success, please take a deal of the credit for that outcome."
"Thank you so much for your hospitality in providing such excellent facilities for the AOTOS Access Day. We were very happy with the arrangements. The caretakers and catering staff were so approachable and willing to help."
"Wow! So many achievements and things to be proud of. We are delighted to have sponsored." Feedback when seeing printed edition of Terraces Magazine.
"We couldn't have asked for a better first night. The staff, were absolutely on top of everything even to the point of sending us all messages on Instagram to see what our needs were. Brilliant. Great venue, well run, nice crowd!"