Painterly Monotype: Pastel Gelli Plate Printing

In this workshop you will be introduced to painterly printmaking through a combination of pastel drawing and gelli plate techniques. Using dry pastels and acrylic, you will explore how drawing can be translated into expressive, one-of-a-kind monotypes.

The workshop will begin with a series of drawings - quick, guided gestural sketches along with more considered pastel drawings, which will then transfer onto a gelli plate. Through layering and grounding with acrylic, your drawings will be transformed into rich, painterly prints.

The session emphasises experimentation, material exploration, and the dynamic interplay between control and chance. Through the session you will gain an understanding of monotype printmaking processes, explore drawing as a foundation for printmaking, produce a series of unique, painterly prints, and build confidence in experimental, process-led approaches. The workshop concludes with a short reflection and group sharing.