Monoprint an Autumnal Wreath with Allison Sylvester

This year we are holding a series of workshops exploring how flowers inspire other creative pursuits including printing, painting, natural plant dyeing, working with dried flowers, photography and flower pressing. Our flower farm will provide the inspiration, subject matter and materials. The teaching will be from a line up of talented artists, photographers and makers whose work I admire including Jam Jar Edit, James Ingram, Eva Nemeth and Allie Sylvester.

In October we will be joined by artist and tutor Allison Sylvester  to learn the process of monoprinting. We will make the most of all the gorgeous autumnal flowers and foliage on the farm to create a unique wreath print.

“There is so much character and bounty in the forms and textures of plants at this time of year to create interesting layered prints. Deciduous leaves have weathered the growing season and are now mature enough to be put through the process of printing more easily. “ – Allison Sylvester.

This simple but effective printing process involves painting leaves with ink and pressing them on to paper. It creates beautifully intricate results which Allison adds to with a paintbrush to enhance the fine detail and subtle colouring. The day will start with gathering your materials from our cutting beds, with Allison’s guidance on the best flowers and foliage to use.

Once back in the coaching barn the rest of the morning will be spent learning and perfecting the technique. After a home cooked lunch using produce from our kitchen garden, Allison will help you to compose your autumnal wreath and once pressed show you how to add in fine details and subtle ink and watercolour washes.

You will go home with your finished A3 print, along with a series of A4 and A5 experimental ones and the skills to create more prints in the future.

All materials and equipment are included in the course. Allison is a an encouraging and experienced tutor and welcomes all levels of experience, including complete beginners.

Allison Sylvester is an artist and tutor, living and working in Totnes, South Devon. She has a Master degree in Fine Art Printmaking from Camberwell College of Art which focused on etching and monoprinting. The botany of Devon’s hedgerows and coastal areas form the backbone of her work which is characterised by her hybrid print/painting techniques.

Date: Sunday 5th October

Time: 10am to 3pm

Cost: £180