Experimental life drawing: Kitchen lithography

Here is the recording of our latest online experimental life drawing session, in which we explore Kitchen Lithography as part of our Planographic printmaking term. Kitchen lithography is a form of foil lithography developed by Émiele Aizier and doesn't require a press or specialist materials, except for a roller and some printmaking ink. The session is led by Jake Spicer, with technical support from Scarlett Rebecca who is author of the new book Alternative Lithography and teaches printmaking online through her own Patreon. This replay was recorded at the live online class and contains all the info you need to take part - by request the chat from the live class has also been included in this post. You will find the photo-set of Tilli to work from HERE

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Materials you’ll need

To make the plate:

• A backing plate (can be plastic or metal, something smooth, strong and flat)

• Kitchen foil

• Cellulose sponge (avoid plastic sponges; cellulose sponges are softer, more absorbent & compostable)

• Greaseproof paper / baking paper (to protect the back of your print from damage while hand burnishing)

• Cola / Diet Cola (it can be flat - it is the acid we need, not the carbonation)
  
  For the drawing:

• Any of the following: chinagraph pencils / soft graphite / wax crayons / chocolate / Indian ink & brush / Sharpie
  
  For the printing:

• Oil based printmaking ink (relief/litho ink) DON'T USE SafeWash or any water-washable inks

• Blotting paper or newsprint (you can also use an old, clean towel for blotting dampened papers)

• Medium weight basic printmaking paper or cartridge

• Various pieces of clean scrap paper
  
  Tools & equipment:

• Hair dry or hand-held fan

• Wooden spoon or baren

• Palette knife or push knife

• Print roller / brayer (If you can, use a roller which is larger than the surface you will be inking up, so think about the size you will normally be working to. Medium softness rollers are great for planographic print.)

• Flat plastic, glass or metal on which to roll out your ink

• A tray or tub as wide as your backing plate

• A large container of clean water
  
  For cleaning:

• Rubber gloves

• Vegetable oil, low odour white spirit or citrus cleaner
  Rags, kitchen towel or scrap paper
  
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Previous experimental life drawing sessions

Oct '24 / Graphite powder

Nov '24 / Water-soluble graphite 

Dec '24 / Subtractive painting with oil paint

Jan '25 / Cutouts & collage

Feb '25 / Drawing with oil paint

Mar '25 / Monoprinting

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Upcoming experimental life drawing sessions

Full details of the materials required for these sessions will be shared at least one week before the event. Patreon supporters on the Student & Life Drawing tiers will automatically receive the meeting link on the day of the session, there is no need to register or book.

Sun 4th May, 3-5pm (UK time) / Mono-printing with oil pastels (Emma)

Sun 1st June, 3-5pm (UK time) / Ink & bleach (Emma)

Sun 6th July, 3-5pm (UK time) / Contour-free drawings (Jake)

Sun 3rd Aug, 3-5pm (UK time) / Ink wash figures (Jake)

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Inspirational artists

During the session Jake introduced artworks by Paula Rego

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Sharing   

If you'd like to share your drawings after the session you can post them up on the Draw Community Facebook group HERE or share them with us on social media here: @draw_brighton #drawbrighton . We always love to see what you've made!   

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Happy drawing!

The Draw team

Having trouble viewing the video? You can find a direct link HERE