Continuous-tone images are characterized by gradual transitions between shades and colors and have frustrated letterpress printers for decades. The need for the traditional halftone screen often produces coarse prints, difficult registration and color issues. 

In this technical workshop, we’ll explore the possibilities of letterpress as a means for producing successful four-color continuous tone imagery. Topics discussed and demonstrated will include different approaches to achieve innovative results, choosing and editing original images, color manipulation in Photoshop, preparing files for negative output, photopolymer plate making and strategies for the letterpress printing of multiples in tight registration. 

Students will get hands-on experience with this process as they print from supplied plates and discuss the components involved in working with letterpress in this new way. 

Materials to Bring: None.

Pre-requisite: Cylinder Cores 1-4 or similar letterpress experience; potential students should also have some knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.

Workshop Fee (includes $25 materials fee): $375.00

Date & Time: Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17, 2019 :: 9:30am-5:30pm

Location: 375 Rhode Island St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Note: Please read over the SFCB Registration Policies before signing up for a class

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THIS WORKSHOP.

About the Instructor | Rebecca Chamlee

Rebecca Chamlee is a book artist, printer, writer and bookbinder who has published letterpress printed, limited-edition fine press and artist’s books under the imprint of Pie In The Sky Press since 1986. Rebecca’s artist’s books examine the intersection of her artistic and scientific interests by collecting and cataloging the natural world around her. She is motivated to record, interpret and celebrate nature. 

Her work is in prominent special and private collections such as Yale University, University of California Berkeley, Stanford University and has been exhibited internationally. 

Rebecca is an associate professor at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles where she teaches bookbinding, letterpress printing and artists’ book classes and heads the Book Arts minor program. She also holds workshops at her studio and book arts centers throughout the country.