For the first time since 2016, TASIS advanced art students returned to the Printmaking studio of master printer Maureen Booth in Pinos Genil, Spain. Despite the late winter dates at the end of February, the group was treated to warm, spring-like weather, and in 3 days of intense work, they produced a great variety of artwork using several printing techniques.
Sixteen TASIS students from IB Visual Arts, AP Drawing, and Advanced Drawing and Painting classes participated in the workshop. Teachers Martyn Dukes and Frank Long helped each to prepare some work at school prior to departure so that they could maximize their time in the studio with Maureen.
Plates were made using the photo-polymer Solar Plate process. Students used artwork created on acetate sheets with India ink or paint markers to make more traditional type intaglio plates, and they used positive digital prints on acetate to create photogravure plates. Maureen instructed the group on making proof prints with black ink and then a series of creative techniques including combinations of colored inks, chin colle' using handmade papers, and the creation of small artists' books. Students might use the completed work for AP portfolios, IB exhibitions, and personal portfolios for college applications.
The Academic Travel trip included a visit to nearby Granada for an afternoon of exploring the old city below the Alhambra in the narrow streets and wide plazas filled with the mix of Moorish and Spanish architecture.
