More than 25 artists are showing a selection of framed and unframed original prints using etching, linocut, screenprint, collagraph and other printmaking techniques in a special Christmas exhibition at Gracefield Gallery 2 in Dumfries.
Artwork can be bought off the wall and from the print browsers, giving the ideal opportunity to buy a thoughtful original Christmas present.
The exhibition also includes a selection of artist hand-printed Christmas and greeting cards, printed fabric such as tea-towels, tote bags and other hand printed items such as ceramics, tree decorations, bookmarks, ideal stocking fillers.
Much printmaking uses traditional processes like etching on metal plates or carving blocks of lino or wood. Others use more modern processes like screen print or collagraph and some work with a combination of different hand printing techniques to produce images that have unique and exciting qualities.
Although original prints are often made in limited editions, each is individually created by the artist, requiring specialist skills and equipment. This means they can be an affordable way to own original and unusual artworks.
Original prints differ from reproduction prints, like a Giclee, which although usually made from an artist’s own original drawn or painted image are made in limited runs on an ink-jet printer. They are never exactly the same, even in an edition, with the subtleties of ink application or pressure of the press creating a unique artwork.
Colin Blanchard, founder member of the Printmakers’ group, said: “There are some wonderful printmakers working in this part of Scotland; making a huge variety of different prints with a wide range of inspiration. We held our inaugural show in December last year and this year we’re aiming to include more artists and an even more diverse range of work. In the longer term our aim is to help promote and strengthen printmaking all across the region with printmaking masterclasses, better equipment and training in the Gracefield print studio and more artists seeing the potential in print technics.”
The group also aims to help new and younger artists to learn the skills required and explore the many and varied possibilities of making prints. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Gracefield Print Studio and joining SWSP (which has separate membership scheme), can e: [email protected]
Gracefield, Edinburgh Road, Dumfries
Exhibitions open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Café 10am to 3pm
Craft Shop Tuesday to Friday, 10.30am to 3.30pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm
Gracefield closed 25 December to 4 January
Reopening Wednesday 5 January at 10am
www.dgculture.co.uk
