Lockdown silver lining - Learn how to make linocut prints at home on my NEW online course
Lockdown silver linings...
Creating an online course is something I'd been meaning to do. I knew I had to learn new skills myself, in order to create it, as well as the time to make it.
Not everyone can travel to York to one of my studio workshops. It now means I can share my skills with people across the world!
I've spent 3 months creating it and put my heart and soul into it since lockdown. Now, it’s not been easy. But then like many things I’ve done in life, I’ve taught myself and learnt the hard way! Teaching myself linocut, being one of them!
In March I started the Design Trust's course, 'Teach creative skills online'.
The course was invaluable. As well as learning how to teach online, I needed to learn how to use new equipment, had to film and photograph myself, teach myself how to use Adobe Premiere Pro to edit videos, create the content and then added it to an online course platform.
I've been teaching linocut workshops for 3 years and was about to take part in York Open Studios. Overnight Covid-19 changed everything and I needed to think of ways to evolve my business. My lockdown silver lining has been the gift of time to focus on creating online courses to inspire more people to get creative!
Would you like to learn how to design, carve and print your own unique linocut print?
Have you always wanted to have a go at linocut printing?
I want to inspire you to get creative!
Through instructional videos and step-by step guides I will show you how to carve a variety of mark making techniques using linocut tools and then how to print your design by hand. You can create your own designs or if you THINK you can’t draw, you can use the nature themed design templates provided.
The graphic style of linocut print means a simple design can be very effective. It’s about having fun and enjoying the process of creating something with your hands. Linocut prints make great personal gifts or cards for friends and family. A homemade card and handwritten note brings so much joy and brightens someone's day.
Learn how to...
Create a simple one colour linocut print.
Carve a variety of mark making techniques using linocut tools.
Create your own design or use the design templates provided.
Print your design by hand, using water-based inks.
Make linocut prints that you can frame or make into cards.
The course includes...
Online self-paced learning.
Instructional videos, including step by step guides.
Design templates, tools and equipment advice as downloadable PDF’s
Hints and tips.
Creative community and support.
This course is aimed at beginners and those wanting to develop their skills a bit further.
"I have had great fun making my first linocut print, by following Michelle's on-line instruction course. I'm a complete beginner and so was curious to see how linocut works. So when Michelle asked me to trial her course, I jumped at the offer. The video guides for each lesson, and section of development, were clear and offered useful hints and tips. Following the practice advice of mark making with the tools was especially good to follow, as this then gave me the confidence to explore my own marks and patterns for my first print design. The whole process was good fun and I was really pleased that I finished with prints that I can now send as presents to friends. I'm hooked and can't wait to have another go, and make some cards. The joy is that I can do this anytime, and just refer back to each lesson whenever I need to. So big thanks to you, Michelle."
Shelia
About your teacher
I’m Michelle Hughes, a professional linocut artist and designer. I have been working as a professional designer for nearly 30 years.
I’m a maker at heart, I have drawn and made crafts since my childhood. Training in fashion design, I worked in the design industry as a surface pattern, giftware, homeware and clothing designer, developing ranges for high street retailers for 25 years.
In 2016, I set up my own business, to create my own range of linocut prints. My inspiration is taken from British landscapes and nature around the UK. I have become known for my pared down graphic style and use of colour. I have created linocut commissions for companies such as National Trust’s Sutton Hoo.
To date, I have taught nearly 40 in-person beginners and follow-on linocut workshops to over 150 students in my York garden studio.
I started out on a shoestring, spending under £30 on basic lino cutting equipment: a set of carving tools, a roller, some soft cut lino and a tube of block printing ink. Things snowballed from there!
Being a self taught linocut artist, I understand many of the problems and challenges you may encounter. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and still do! I want to help you by sharing my skills and the things that I’ve learnt along the way.
Find out more...
Online self-paced learning means you can learn at your own pace and at any time, referring back to each lesson whenever you need to. Find out more at https://www.michellehughesdesign.com/online-linocut-courses
15 October 20 update
Thrilled to be in the York Press with my online course!!!
Read the article here:
Would you like to learn how to make a linocut print?
Online courses
Online self-paced learning. Full access for one year, so that you can study at your own pace and home. Instructional videos and step-by-step guides.
Beginners guide to linocut printing
How to make a multi-block linocut print
Linocut workshops
My linocut workshops are all held in my York print studio. I teach in small groups of no more than four people, so that everyone gets lots of one to one tuition.
Introduction to linocut printing workshop
Follow on 'jigsaw' linocut printing workshop
See my linocut workshops and online courses page for links to each of my courses and workshops.
Linocut and printmaking tools and materials
Find out more about the tools and equipment needed to create linocut prints in my 'lino cutting equipment' blog.
See step-by-step how I make my linocut prints
See examples of how I make my linocut prints in the Studio Diary section of my blog.
To be first to hear about my latest designs, online courses and workshops please join my mailing list.
Happy linocutting!
Michelle
About the artist
Michelle Hughes is a North Yorkshire landscape artist. Much of her work depicts the Yorkshire landscape and Yorkshire coast, including the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.
Michelle loves exploring the British countryside by bike or on foot, camera in hand, capturing ideas for her next prints. Back in her garden studio, Michelle creates simple but stylised silhouettes based on her photographs, and hand carves these shapes into lino. She hand prints with an etching press, using oil-based inks to create tonal blocks of colour. Michelle’s original linocut prints are limited editions.