Gary Wornell regularly gives 2 and 4 day Digital Printmaking Workshops at his studio in Riihimäki, Finland. The courses are designed for artist professionals and skilled amateurs as well as photographers and traditional print makers who wish to expand their craft printing repertoir.

The courses are lively, energetic and informative and provide a perfect starting point for beginners and advanced printmakers to explore new territory. With a good selection of Epson Large Format Stylus Pro and Stylus Photo printers, everyone can find out just what makes these printers so versatile.

Previous workshops have included participants from other parts of Europe interested in meeting like-minded artists and the result is a cross fertilization of ideas and techniques. Bookings can be made several months in advance with courses running in two and 4 day blocks as well as 4 day workshops spread over 2 weekends.

Photo: Philippe Gueissaz

Workshop Dates:

2 Day MASTERCLASS in March:
20.03.10 - 21.03.10 (Saturday - Sunday)
(3 places left)

2 Day Workshops in April and June:
09.04.10 - 10.04.10 (Friday - Saturday)
(4 places left)

05.06.10 - 06.06.10 (Saturday - Sunday)
(5 places left)

2 Day course outline

4 Day Workshops in April, and June:
17.04.10 - 18.04.10 and 24.04.10 - 25.04.10
(Saturday - Sunday - 2 weekends)
(5 places left)

17.06.10-20.06.10 (Thursday - Sunday)
(5 places left)

4 Day course outline

Course Aims

The aim of the courses will be to experiment with digital inkjet printing techniques. By combining various substrates, inkjet receptive layers, and collage materials, as well as UV protective coatings and varnishes, the student will discover that the possibilities are limitless.

These courses have a maximum attendance of 5 and minimum of 3 people. If an insufficient number of participants apply for a course applicants will receive a full refund of their deposit.

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2 day Digital Printing course
price includes all materials for the course - 250 € inc. VAT/ALV

For beginners and basic level students familiar with moderate experience of desktop/wide format inkjet printers.

The idea of this course is to open the doors to the possibilities of inkjet printing on a wide variety of media and encourage the use of alternative printing methods.

Photo: Dace Gaile

By learning about the technical possibilities and limitations of inkjet printers, the student will quickly be able to assess the potential success of an idea based on the hard facts governing these complex printing devices. By understanding what the printer can and cannot do the student will be able to implement creative solutions to overcome problems.

Course outline

The course will give the student basic training on operating Epson Medium and Wide Format printers including settings for various media and print quality.

The course will include the preparation with inkjet pre-coatings on a variety of alternative media including very thin Japanese papers, fine art papers, synthetic materials and metal sheet.

Methods for media feed including edge to edge on deckled edge papers.

The use of Qimage printing software will also prepare the student for professional style printing workflow including colour profiles for standard Epson Media.

Post coating for print protection. The use of postcoats with UVLS (Ultra Violet Light Stabilisers)

Facilities at the studio

• 2 Windows XP OS computers with calibrtated monitors (you are encouraged to use your own laptop if you have one to reduce waiting times on the printing workstations.
• MacBookPro 15.4" Snow Leopard Laptop and projector
• Epson 7800, 9880 and R2400 inkjet printers with Ultrachrome K3 inks.
• Wireless ADSL internet connection.

Students should bring their own files for printing. Keep in mind that this course is not intended to produce finished work, but should be considered as a time to experiment with a wide variety of ideas. The limited time available will become very busy with prints in the queue and the aim of the course is to inspire and encourage experiment.

Accomodation and transport

Please see our website for a list of hotels and accomodation in the area. For further information please write to me at garywornell (at) gmail.com

4 day Digital Printing course
price includes all materials for the course - 400 € inc. VAT/ALV

For basic, intermediate and advanced level students familiar with medium A3+ desktop and wide format inkjet printers.

The idea of this extended course is to open the doors to the possibilities of inkjet printing on a wide variety of media; encourage the use of alternative printing methods and enable the student to have time to complete complex processes from start to finish. This is a creative course with an emphasis on technical solutions to unique problems.

Photo: Dace Gaile

By learning about the technical possibilities and limitations of inkjet printers, the student will quickly be able to assess the potential success of an idea based on the hard facts governing these complex printing devices. By understanding what the printer can and cannot do the student will be able to implement creative solutions to overcome problems.

Course outline

The course will give the student advanced training on operating Epson Medium and Wide Format printers including settings for various media and print quality.

The course will begin with understanding colour; the calibration of monitors including your own laptops, working with and creating custom profiles for a wide range of hand coated and factory coated media.

The student will learn how to adjust special settings for the printers to maximise the quality by adjusting inkjet focus, platten gap and media feed based on media thickness and ink absorbtion.

The course will include the preparation of inkjet pre-coatings on a variety of alternative media including very thin Japanese papers, fine art papers, synthetic materials and metal sheet.

Create your own inkjet coatings from standard art materials. Combine traditional art materials and colours with inkjet printing to add depth and enhance the visual quality of the work.

Methods for media feed including edge to edge on deckled edge papers. How to print an album (such as a wedding album) on both sides of double sided media, and how to print on asymetric flat shapes.

The advanced use of Qimage - one of the best and cost effective printing software solutions will allow the student to print with professional control and certain results. How to set up the software to maximise your computors available resources. The printing workflow includes the use of colour profiles for standard Epson Media and any new profiles created on the course by participants.

Post coating for print protection. The use of postcoats applied with spray, sponge roller and brush for special effects. Coatings include UVLS (Ultra Violet Light Stabilisers) to maximise pigment print life and durability.

Facilities at the studio

• 2 Windows XP OS computers with calibrtated monitors (you are encouraged to use your own laptop if you have one to reduce waiting times on the printing workstations.
• Epson 7800, 9880 and R2400 inkjet printers with Ultrachrome K3 inks for Gloss and Matte media.
• Post coat sprayer system with compressor and HVLP spray gun, roller applicators and several types of post coat varnishes with a variety of finishes.
• Wireless ADSL internet connection.

Students should bring their own files for printing and any personal choices of media up to 1.8mm thick. This really is the thickness limit for these wide format printers and depending on the coatings there may be problems which we cannot overcome.

Keep in mind that this course is intended to produce finished work, but the main purpose is to experiment and explore a wide variety of ideas and methods for production. The limited time available will become very busy with prints in the queue and the aim of the course is to inspire and encourage experiment.

Accomodation and transport

Please see our website for a list of hotels and accomodation in the area. For further information please write to me at garywornell (at) gmail.com

New Masterclass for those who want to go further
price includes all materials for the course - 250 € inc. VAT/ALV

Early in Spring 2010 a 2 day masterclass will be held for anyone interested in coming to the studio to spend time concentrating on improving their skills, testing new ideas and getting down-and-dirty with the Epson Large Format Printers. Its up to you to create your own program and up to us to provide guidance and support that will help you achieve your goals. We'll need to be prepared for you so let us know before you come what you intend to do.

Whats included

Course fees include all normally available materials, inks, and equipment. Participants should email Gary Wornell with their proposed work plan and material requirements. Special materials must be purchased by the participant before the masterclass.

This workshop is specifically designed to allow participants to explore their own working methods under supervision from Gary Wornell. No formal instruction will take place, but students will have the use of all facilities at the studio to help them achieve their goals.

For more information please email - garywornell (at) gmail.com

• Epson Stylus PRO 7800 and 9880 Wide Format K3 8 color Ultrachrome Pigment printers and Epson Stylus Photo R2400 K3 8 color Ultrachrome Pigment Printer.
• Two Windows XP workstations with calibrated monitors, professional software and broadband internet connections.
• MacBookPro 15.4" Snow Leopard OS
• Epson Projector
• Gretag Macbeth Eye One for building custom color profiles and monitor calibration.
• Spray facility for postcoats and varnishes
• Nikon Super Coolscan 4000 35mm scanner
• Epson Perfection 4870 Photo A4 flatbed scanner
• Work tables, small kitchen, work rooms

The studio is situated across the road from the Finnish Glass Museum in the area known as Hyttikortteli or cabin quarters - the earlier homes of the glass blowers next to the old glass factory. Riihimäki is just 70km from the capital Helsinki with good bus and rail connections.

Ryan air flights from London Stansted to Tampere provide cheap international access to Finland as well as the regular flights from other airlines to Helsinki Vantaa airport. In both cases Riihimäki is just over one hour away from the arrivals gate.

Accomodation

Riihimäki has two excelent hotels within easy walking distance of the studio.

Seurahuone

Next Hotel Linnea

View Gary Wornell Studios in a larger map

A selection of feedback from previous courses.

4 Day Participant

Great many thanks Gary for the course and the most pleasant get-together and teaching. I'm a regular participant for various photography related courses and events and I must say your four day course was one of the best if not the best for years. You had prepared the course and its concept thoroughly and the four days passed like a sway. You paid attention to everybody nicely and I got what I came to see and more.

Leo Skogström
Photographer
Kotka - FINLAND
The Finnish Wooden Boat Center

Reading the profile targets during the 4 Day Workshop in Gary Wornell Studios

4 Day Participant

I'm satisfied not only about what I learned but also to be in one room with other printing artists. You can exchange ideas, technical information etc. I wanted to improve my creative skills and with you I learned the technical skills to do so. ...4 days were to short and maybe that is an important feature of a good workshop.

Loek de la Haye
Book Artist, Digital Artist
Amsterdam - NETHERLANDS
FritzCatStudios

Textile artist Päivi Vaarula applying pre-coat at a 4 Day Workshop in Gary Wornell Studios

2 Day Participant

Thank you very much for a excellent and effective course. All this printing was new new to me so it was very interesting and fascinating and made me see new ways to use my photographs. You have a clear and nice way to teach. There was humour and relaxed working spirit and everyone was very motivated and wanted to learn. Days were full of program but we managed to do all what was in the program. However we could have continued on the next weekend too.

Päivi Malinen
Photographer
Lahti - FINLAND

2 Day Participant

It was very interesting and inspiring learning about Garys techniques and printing onto different surfaces and using materials not tried before. I especailly liked the rabbit skin glue - it gave a really durable and matt surface. Gary's results are very impressive, combining creativity, technical excellence and great craftsmanship. I could see huge possibilities in my own work...

Nicola Gissing
Photographer
Bristol - ENGLAND

2 Day Participant

Thank you for the good and inspiring course. I am very satisfied with it. I learned a lot and I enjoyed the atmosphere there. I will recommend the course to my colleagues and I would like to come again to learn more.

Hannele Ollakka
Textile Artist
Jyväskylä - FINLAND
Hannele Ollakka

Students from the Summer 2 Day Digital Print Workshop in Gary Wornell Studios