Mokuhanga
(Japanese Water-based Woodcut Printmaking)
Mokuhanga is perfect for anyone interested in a non-toxic, table-top printmaking technique. Over the course of between 2 - 4 days, you will learn the process of transferring a drawing or image to Japanese plywood and carve various colour separation wood blocks, following in the tradition of Japanese Ukiyo-e and Sosaku hanga printmaking. With no mechanical press required, only a hand held 'baren', you will learn the techniques to achieve various nuanced print effects, from 'woodgrain' to 'sesame printing' and the well known 'bokashi' (colour gradation), synonymous with mokuhanga. You will register your mulberry paper (kozo washi) with your multiple carved blocks through the simple but brilliant 'kento' registration system. You will be sure to take away a deeper understanding and appreciation of how these prints are created along with a love for both the process and results of this accessible, water-based printmaking method which provides endless possibilities, including those to be used in combination with other printmaking techniques.
"It was fabulous. Lucy is such a patient, inspirational teacher and I felt I learnt a whole new skill in a weekend. The course numbers were just right and we all got to know each other over the weekend - a good chance to network. I'm now inspired to continue with this form of printing and to use it in my projects."
I run one day taster Mokuhanga courses, often held at Northern Print in Newcastle, two day Mokuhanga weekend workshops at West Yorkshire Print Workshop and three day in depth courses at Leicester Print Workshop and the Center for Fine Print Research, Bristol. I have taught this workshop consistently since 2016 Please contact me directly with enquiries regarding the scheduling of these workshops.
I am also available for one to one tuition. Please contact me for further details.
COURSE DATES FOR 2026
MARCH
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd March 2026 - Introduction to Mokuhanga. A weekend Introduction to Mokuhanga course is scheduled at Northern Print in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
northernprint.org.uk
APRIL
Tuesday 21st - Thursday 23rd April 2026 - Wood, Washi & Water-colour. I am delighted to be teaching for the first time at Lund Studios, for a 3-day mid-week workshop in rural Yorkshire, UK. This course is intended for those who are new to Mokuhanga or want to develop their skills in woodblock printing.
www.the-lund.co.uk
MAY
Tuesday 26th - Saturday 30th May 2026 - Mokuhanga Summer School. A 5-day mid-week workshop at Leicester Print Workshop. This course is intended for those who are new to Mokuhanga and/or want to develop their existing skills in woodblock printing for a full 5 days of immersion.
JUNE
Monday 28th June - Friday 3rd July 2026 - I am excited to be returning to Bridge House Art in the Highlands of Scotland for another 5-day Summer School. This year I'll be there in June for a brand new Moku-mono & bookmaking course I've called Life Cycles with wood, washi and water-colour. Over the course of five days we will explore the theme of life cycles, through moku-monoprinting and the book form. In mapping time and life cycles, we will create simple forms and motifs through resist methods and light carving techniques on wood blocks. Through moku-monoprinting onto plywood with water-colour we will develop a language or narrative series of images to be hand-bound into a concertina book with hard back covers and matching slip case.
www.bridgehouseart.co.uk