Woodcut Week
Summer Workshop | Available
Join instructor Scott Porcelli for a fun crash course in woodblock printing! Learn the fundamentals of designing, carving, and hand-printing woodblock prints using traditional techniques. Whether you’re new to printmaking or looking to refine your skills, this class will guide you through the entire process, from transferring your design to carving the wood and experimenting with ink, texture, and layering. By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of original prints and the confidence to continue creating at home. All levels welcome.
- First meeting on Monday will be in the 2nd Floor Middle Studio. Remaining meetings on Tues, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be in the Printmaking Studio and adjoining room on the 3rd Floor.
CAC studio will provide access to brayers, plexiglass pallets, newsprint.
Please bring the following items to class:
Blocks to Carve: Linoleum OR Wood (Shina plywood (soft and easy to carve), Basswood, Birchwood.
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Pine or MDF (though harder to carve, they work with the right tools.
Carving Tools: A basic woodcut carving set with U-gouges (for clearing large areas), V-gouges (for fine lines and details), and chisels and knives for precision cuts.
Budget-Friendly Alternative: X-acto knife and/or a lino-cutting tool set (not ideal for hard wood but works for softer blocks.)
Sketchbook & Drawing Materials: Pencils (HB & 2B), fine-tip markers, and erasers for sketching designs.
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Any scrap paper or printer paper for planning.
Transfer Materials: Tracing paper & graphite pencil (for transferring drawings to the block), and carbon paper (for an easier transfer process).
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Lightly rubbing graphite or chalk on the back of a sketch and pressing it onto the wood.
Ink & Inking Supplies: Oil-based or water-based relief printing ink. (Akua water-based intaglio inks are great!)
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Acrylic paint mixed with an acrylic retarder (not ideal but works for practice).
Baren or Pressing Tool: A baren (a flat, smooth tool for hand-pressing prints).
Budget-Friendly Alternative: A wooden spoon or rolling pin.
Printing Paper: Japanese washi paper (like Mulberry or Kozo) for traditional prints and heavyweight printmaking paper (like Rives BFK or Stonehenge).
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Watercolor paper, cardstock, or recycled paper.
Rags or Paper Towels: For cleaning hands and tools.
Protective Gear (Optional): Apron or old clothes (woodblock printing can get messy)
Storage Folder or Box (Optional): To transport finished prints and protect artwork.
Scott Porcelli
Scott Porcelli is a New Jersey native now living in West Philadelphia. He has been an active Teaching Artist for nine years working with organizations like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Center for Creative Works, Allens Lane Art Center, and Second State Press. Scott Porcelli holds an MFA in printmaking from Edinboro University of PA. Learn more:
https://www.scottporcelli.com/