The Monotype Mark is the first of a series of three short workshops. It covers a wide range of techniques possible in the monotype process including additive and subtractive approaches, ink rolling methods, stencils and templates, the use of the ghost, contact monotype, viscosity, plate and paper registration and continues through the use of chine colle and collage, drawing, and multiple plate projects. Through several demonstrations and lectures beginning and advanced participants will learn to find color, modify, layer, and mix inks using all non-toxic waterbased Akua products. Working with drawing materials and finishing prints as resolved and complete expressions, including solving issues after printing, are all aspects of this 3 day high energy workshop.

The Repeatable Mark is the second of three short workshops. In this 3 day program beginning and advanced participants will learn contemporary plate making processes using UV light and non-toxic developing solutions without traditional grounds and acids to produce repeatable intaglio images. With Solarplate and ImagOn participants may draw, paint, collage, photocopy, or use computer images to create a positive transparency. The image from the transparency is transferred under UV light to the surface of the plate. The plate is developed and then printed. Various inking, printing and registration techniques as well as the use of Akua non-toxic water based ink will be taught and additional demonstrations of ways to combine color and chine collé/collage with images will open the door to endless possibilities for mixed media projects. If you work digitally bring some files on a jump drive or simply bring images on your iPhone camera. There is a computer with Photoshop and a digital printer in the studio.

The Constructed Mark is the third of three short workshops. This 3 day program focuses on the transformation of works on paper to panels that can then be handled as paintings, collages, and assemblages. Previously created works on paper and the availability of various forms of printmaking sets the stage for initial compositions. Then, using woodworking tools, wood panels, and hollow core doors beginning and advanced participants will learn how to construct their own substrates for furthering their compositions. Collage plays a major role and the various uses of acrylic sealers and glues will be demonstrated. Generally the workshop is open-ended and dictated somewhat by the needs and experience of the participants. The notion of the “artist as an inventor” will be stressed as problem solving such as creating supports for assemblage and cutting into surfaces become the challenge of how best to express each individual’s artistic vision. The dynamic of experimenting, using what works, and taking it to the next level is what has moved Ron Pokrasso to create intriguing, increasingly sophisticated compositions. As a great recycler of both materials and ideas, Pokrasso will share his methods and concepts which have driven him to use any object – guitar strings, joist hangers, paintbrushes, plexiglas palettes, whatever works – to create his highly colorful constructed artworks.