Past Workshops

Mixed Media Printmaking in Florence Italy

May 8, 2023 - May 21, 2023
Location: Santa Reparata International School of Art, Florence, Italy
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This spectacular two week program offers the opportunity to live and create in Florence, Italy, a cultural capital of Europe. As the home of the Italian Renaissance and the birthplace of the modern world, Florentines championed democracy, science, literature as well as painting, sculpture, and architecture. The Tuscan countryside offers rolling landscapes, pastoral farms, vineyards, and medieval towns clinging to the hills.

Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) is a fantastic facility to use as a home base with all that is needed to experiment and evolve in the creative process of image making. The facility has five intaglio presses, two exposure units, an alternative dark room dedicated to printmaking, and plenty of lockers and flat files for workshop participants. The digital area is well equipped with a 13 inch printer, and Apple computers. SRISA is located in the heart of Florence within a short walking distance to just about everything – the Duomo, the Uffizi Museum, the Accademia, the Mercato Centrale, Santa Croce, and dozens of fabulous restaurants.

COURSE OFFERING

Monotype, Collage, and ImageOn/Solarplate

This workshop focuses on mixed media printmaking. Using Akua non-toxic water-based inks, participants of all levels will learn monotype through various methods of mixing, modifying, layering inks, using and abusing mark-making tools, and exploring the limits of paper. Instruction includes a wide range of uses for chine colle, collage, and drawing. ImagOn and Solarplate will be taught, both as means in themselves and integrated with other techniques. Photoshop will be introduced to help artists learn the basics of photo digital imaging and how to apply it to Imagon, Solarplate, and collage. Multi-plate printing methods will open the door to endless possibilities.
The emphasis is on the “Artist as an Inventor,” and each participant is encouraged to stretch his or her methods of expressing and breaking barriers into new and uncharted territory. The information presented is cumulative, and participants will have the opportunity to revisit works developed over the course of two weeks. The workshop will culminate with an informal critique and discussion to serve as closure and celebration on the final day of class. If you have any questions regarding this course please contact Ron Pokrasso, pokrasso@gmail.com or have a look at the website, www.ronpokrasso.com.
For the 2023 workshop we will also have the assistance of Devin Kovach. Devin was our workshop assistant in the 2014 Florence program. Since then he has headed up the printmaking department at the Temple University program in Rome. After 8 years teaching in Rome and shaping the printmaking department, Devin will be even more prepared to offer instruction, assistance and his own points of view while consulting with you and your project needs. In essence you will be benefitting from the guidance of two highly qualified instructors.

THE PROGRAM

The program includes 10 days of instruction beginning May 8  and ending May 21 with a minimum of 60 contact hours, the use of the studios from 9AM to 10PM throughout the program, access to the printmaking digital lab, various tools and equipment, (including presses and exposure units), and most printmaking materials such as Akua inks and modifiers as well as ImageOn film. Participants traveling from the U.S. should plan on supplying their own Solarplates- Additional Solarplates will be available for purchase on- site. Paper can be purchased as well during the workshop. Participants have access to wifi. The schedule is as follows: 4 days of instruction, 2 days off, 3 days of instruction, 2 days off, 3 days of instruction. Participants can work in the open studio on the off days or take the time to explore the City and Region. The program includes a festive welcome dinner, a half-day guided walking tour of Florence, a full day excursion to Siena, an historical/ cultural lecture delivered by SRISA”s faculty and a farewell dinner and celebration.

TUITION
The tuition for the 2023 program is $2250. A $500 deposit (fully refundable until Feb 15, 2023 – less Paypal fee if applicable) is requested to confirm your participation and hold a spot. Pay a deposit online below or Contact me to confirm your interest and then send a check to:

Ron Pokrasso, 1417 Galisteo Street, Santa Fe, NM, 87505. 

Tuition balance is due March 1, 2023.

Housing info will be forthcoming.

TRAVEL

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Florence. It is a good idea to make plans to arrive a few days before the beginning of the program to help acclimate to the culture and time difference. Unless other arrangements have been made, housing options are available for check in one or two days before the beginning of the program

PROGRAM INFORMATION, REGISTRATION, HOUSING and PAYMENTS contact:

Ron Pokrasso
1417 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505 577 6296
pokrasso@gmail.com
www.ronpokrasso.com

MONOTHON Santa Fe 2023 – Print Week

April 1, 2023 - April 8, 2023
Location: Galisteo Street Studio and 5 other print shops, Santa Fe, NM
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MONOTHON Santa Fe 2023

is a community-based event organized to benefit artists, print shops, the Santa Fe Community Gallery and the local, youth arts non-profit, Partners in Education, through the creation and sale of one-of-a-kind monotype artworks and the generosity of the Santa Fe community.

It’s a Win, Win, Win!

Artists find sponsors. Sponsors find artists.

Once an artist / sponsor pairing has been established register and schedule your artist session.

Sponsored artists work in 5-hour, fully assisted monotype printing sessions in my Galisteo Street Studio or in one of 5 other local print shops. At the conclusion of each session 1 work is chosen to be exhibited and sold at the Monothon exhibition, April 22-May 26 at the Santa Fe Community Gallery, 201 W Marcy Street.

An exclusive Monothon Gala for Sponsors, Artists and Printers takes place Friday, April 21 from 5-8pm.

Get involved with this fun event and great cause by participating as an artist or a sponsor.

Monotype and Mixed Media Printmaking in Guanajuato Mexico

January 30, 2023 - February 9, 2023
Location: Alma del Sol and Piramidal Grafica, Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
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The 2023 Guanajuato program has been filled. Contact me to be placed on the waiting list should a space open up.
 
Treat yourself to an exciting art adventure while immersing in Guanajuato, considered to be the jewel of the Colonial cities of Mexico. Experience this European inspired city full of winding narrow streets and leafy garden plazas below which a labyrinth of tunnels and passageways serve as the thoroughfares of the city. By day Immerse yourself in an intensive art making workshop and take the evenings to enjoy the cantinas and cafes, strolling troubadours and string quartets in intimate settings. The numerous museums of art, history, churches and even the famous mummies all serve to make Guanajuato, still one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, a fascinating destination for an art making getaway.
 
The Workshop
The workshop focuses on monotype as a tool for mixed media printmaking. Using Akua non-toxic water-based inks, participants of all levels will learn monotype through various methods of mixing, modifying, layering inks, using and abusing mark-making tools, and exploring the limits of paper. Instruction includes a wide range of uses for chine colle’, collage, and drawing. Image transfer techniques will also be taught. If you have ImagOn, Solarplates, or other matrix, feel free to bring them. These can be incorporated with multi-plate printing methods, opening the door to limitless opportunities.
The emphasis is on “the artist as an inventor,” and each participant will be encouraged to stretch his or her methods of expressing and breaking barriers into new and uncharted territory. The information presented is cumulative and participants will have the opportunity to revisit their works-in-progress over the course of the program. An optional materials list will be sent to each registered participant as it gets closer. If you have any questions regarding the coursework please contact Ron Pokrasso, pokrasso@gmail.com or have a look at the website, www.ronpokrasso.com.
 
The Program
The program begins with a festive welcome dinner and orientation at Alma del Sol on Monday, January 30. The workshop takes place in the newly remodeled Piramidal Grafica studio. With several presses and extensive workspace, this printmaking facility is well suited to serve all the creative needs of workshop attendees. Nine days have been allotted for the program including a “day off” on Saturday, Feb. 4 when participants can take the time to explore the City and Region. Optional excursions are possible at additional cost. There is a minimum of 48 instructional hours, 10am-5pm each day (except Saturday, Feb 4) plus open studio time throughout the program. Most printmaking materials such as Akua inks and modifiers, monotype plates, tools, adhesives, paper towels, rags, solvents, etc. are included. Arches 88 paper is available for purchase @$7/sheet. Our host Hugo Anaya promises wonderfully prepared lunches each of the instructional days. Hugo will also serve as assistant for the workshop and will provide all the necessary information to help make this a memorable visit to Guanajuato and a rewarding artistic adventure. The program culminates with an informal critique and discussion to serve as closure and celebration on the final day of class.
 
Tuition
The tuition is $1695. Included are 48 hours of instruction, most studio supplies, a welcome and farewell dinner and 8 in studio lunches.
 
A $395 deposit – refundable (less Paypal fee) until Nov 15 is requested to secure your spot. Contact me with your interest and once availability is confirmed prepare a check made payable to Ron Pokrasso and send to: 
1417 Galisteo Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
You may also pay a deposit online by clicking the “Add To Cart” button below.
 
Tuition balances are due December 15, 2022.
 
 
Accommodations
Hugo Anaya runs Alma del Sol, www.almadelsol.com,as well as Hotel de Color, www.facebook.com/callejoncalvario9/. Both are centrally located in the old downtown area near the Jardin. For our program he has reserved 9 rooms that can accommodate 1 or 2 people each. These accommodations are $80-$100 per night/ room, including breakfast and are available on a first come basis. Contact Hugo directly at info@almadelsol.comto make your arrangements. Contact meif you need assistance in finding a roommate. As another option, Hugo recommends Hotel Casa del Agua, www.hotelcasadelagua.com.mx/index-en.html. You are also free to make your own arrangements for lodging.
 
Travel
Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Guanajuato. You will likely fly to Leon (BJX). Participants will be given instructions for transport to Guanajuato.
*Optional Add on in San Miguel de Allende
After your time in Guanajuato consider traveling to San Miguel de Allende a wonderful city just an hour and a half from Guanajuato.
 
Schedule
  • On or before Monday, Jan 30 – Arrival in Guanajuato
  • Monday, Jan 30, 7 pm – Welcome dinner and orientation at Alma del Sol
  • Tuesday – Friday, Jan 31 – Feb 3- Instruction 10-5 with in-studio lunches
  • Saturday,  Feb 4 – day off – open studio or tour the city and region
  • Sunday – Wednesday, Feb 5 – 8- Instruction 10-5 with in-studio lunches
  • Wednesday, Feb 8 – late afternoon/evening – informal critique, celebration and Farewell Dinner at Alma del Sol
  • Thursday, Feb 9 or later – depart Guanajuato/ optional (additional costs): visit San Miguel de Allende

Contacts
For workshop questions and tuition payments
Ron Pokrasso
1417 Galisteo St
Santa Fe, NM 87505
pokrasso@gmail.com
(505) 577 6296
For lodging, transportation questions and any dietary restrictions
Hugo Anaya
info@almadelsol.com
+52(473)733-5423

Mastering The Monotype

September 25, 2022 - September 29, 2022
Location: Center For Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT
2015-17P March Two Step

Ron Pokrasso’s approach to monotype in combination with chine collé/collage and drawing will open your eyes and working process to a whole new range of possibilities. Using Akua non-toxic products, participants will utilize an array of techniques for Monotype Printmaking. Participants will learn how to think in layers to print on dry paper with several plates and surfaces, putting emphasis on perfecting multiple plate registration and long term planning of prints. Pokrasso’s unique approach interspersed with art making philosophies makes this an intensive, enriching, eco-friendly week-long art immersion. As a primer for MONOTHON 2022 this workshop is great for beginners as well as a perfect tune-up for experienced monotype artists.

Consider including a fully assisted Monothon session following your workshop experience. Ron will be assisting artists on Saturday and Sunday, Oct 1 and 2. Contact Jackie or call 203 899 7999 to sign up for Oct 1 or 2 sessions.

In addition all fully registered participants for Mastering The Monotype will receive a small original Ron Pokrasso print.

Click here for more info and online registration 

Layers And Plates- July 2022

July 25, 2022 - July 29, 2022
Location: Galisteo Street Studio, Santa Fe, NM
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Using monotype as a primary mark making technique this 5 day workshop focuses on the use of many plates and collage elements to create richly layered compositions. Rather than trying to compose on just one surface you will learn how to think in layers where many options become available in one or more impressions. While a monotype plate is in progress you may decide to incorporate a background plate and perhaps a collage element or even an ImagOn or Solarplate. By having numerous surfaces to work from your options become endless and the mixing and matching of imagery has the potential to move you into very exciting new directions. This fully instructional workshop is suitable to all levels of experience and runs 9-5 each day with a lunch break. Additional open studio work time is included after instruction Monday – Thursday.

workshop is limited to 6 participants

$950 plus paper, specialty plates and tax.

To register,  contact me first to see if there is space and then send a non-refundable $100 check to:

Ron Pokrasso   1417 Galisteo Street    Santa Fe, NM   87505

or use the Add To Cart button below to register immediately.

 

Hand Printing Monotype Intensive

January 10, 2022 - January 12, 2022
Location: Tubac School of Fine Arts, Tubac, AZ
2020-21P New Ways To Attract Birds

In this intensive 3-day hand printing workshop you will learn a wide range of basic monotype techniques and gain a true understanding of the flexibility of working with Akua non-toxic products.

Evolving The Monotype- Sept 17-20

September 17, 2021 - September 20, 2021
Location: Center For Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT
2015-11P Late Summer Stroll

Ron Pokrasso’s approach to monotype in combination with chine collé/collage and drawing will open your eyes and working process to a whole new range of possibilities. Working with Akua non-toxic inks and modifiers, participants will be guided through registration techniques, perfect multi-plate registration and enjoy the immediacy of revising works in progress. Artists will learn how to think in layers with several plates and surfaces providing opportunities to move into exciting new directions.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE WORKSHOP all participants will also receive a fully assisted Monothon printing session with Pokrasso as your Master Printer. Building on the lessons and imagery from the previous 3 days you will create up to 10 works under Ron’s watchful eye and expert guidanceAt the completion of the 5-hour MONOTHON session, one piece will be chosen for the Monothon auction/sale to benefit CCP.

Evolving The Monotype- Sept 13-16

September 13, 2021 - September 16, 2021
Location: Center For Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk, CT
2015-12P Celebrating An October Birthday

Ron Pokrasso’s approach to monotype in combination with chine collé/collage and drawing will open your eyes and working process to a whole new range of possibilities. Working with Akua non-toxic inks and modifiers, participants will be guided through registration techniques, perfect multi-plate registration and enjoy the immediacy of revising works in progress. Artists will learn how to think in layers with several plates and surfaces providing opportunities to move into exciting new directions.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE WORKSHOP all participants will also receive a fully assisted Monothon printing session with Pokrasso as your Master Printer. Building on the lessons and imagery from the previous 3 days you will create up to 10 works under Ron’s watchful eye and expert guidanceAt the completion of the 5-hour MONOTHON session, one piece will be chosen for the Monothon auction/sale to benefit CCP.

Explorations In Monotype and Chine Colle’ with Ron Pokrasso

June 21, 2021 - June 25, 2021
Location: Remarque Print Workshop, Albuquerque, NM
2013-30P The Keys Are All There header

Ron Pokrasso’s approach to monotype in combination with chine colle’/collage and drawing will greatly enhance your working process with a whole new range of possibilities. Using Akua non-toxic products you will learn numerous methods of working with inks and tools. You will be guided through registration techniques to be able to use multiple plates with perfection. Using dry paper you will enjoy the immediacy of reprinting the surface and the ease in coming back to works in progress. You will learn how to think in layers with several plates and surfaces giving you the potential to move into exciting new directions. Pokrasso’s unique approach illustrated with concise demos and interspersed with art making philosophies makes this an intensive, enriching, eco-friendly, five-day art immersion. This workshop is great for beginners as well as a perfect tune-up for experienced monotype artists.

Mixed Media Printmaking With And Without A Press

September 25, 2020
Location: Buffalo Thunder Resort, Santa Fe, NM
2015-12P Celebrating An October Birthday

Due to Covid-19 this workshop has been canceled.  A future date has yet to be  determined.

This workshop combines the painterly process of monotype with chine colle/collage and drawing to create mixed media prints. An overview of the basic monotype processes will be demonstrated and then with the chine colle / collage process you will learn how to integrate old drawings, rice papers, found materials, digital images, etc into your compositions. This eco friendly workshop using Akua waterbased inks and non-toxic adhesives is a perfect follow up to the monotype workshop but can also be taken as a single program. It is suited to all levels of experience