What is Abstract Art?

Explored through printmaking

In this workshop, participants work with printmaker Simon Ripley to create abstract images, using printing techniques, from different inspirational sources.  In this session, Simon explores the work of other abstract artists before taking participants through the whole creative process – from finding inspiration in a pattern or photograph, using it to develop an abstract motif and transforming the motif into a series of original prints.

Your group will be encouraged to collect photos or images that inspire them ahead of the workshop.

Simon’s artistic practice is introduced ahead of the day by a short (15 minutes) ‘Daisi Bytes’ video which enables children to connect the activities with the wider cultural world, and can be shared with the entire school community in addition to workshop participants.

abstract art print making workshop

Suitable age group:  KS2; KS3

Curriculum links:  Art and Design

Cost: £445 for one day*

*Cost covers one day of workshops, including administration, preparation and delivery, materials and travel. Additional days of the same workshop cost (up to) £315 per day. I.e:

1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days
£445 £760 £1050 £1340

Times and numbers:  The workshop is available in one of the following formats, allowing for timetabled breaks:

  • Two classes of up to 30 children for two hours each, in one day
  • One class of up to 30 children for one day, as a deeper experience

Materials: Learners will use collage materials, printing ink and equipment, including a small press.

print making workshop in school

Key Learning Outcomes

KS2:

  • Participants can use an inspirational source to develop abstract designs

  • Participants can use their designs to develop and create a print

  • Participants are familiar with the work of a range of abstract artists

KS3:

  • Participants can adapt their ideas to suit different forms and media

  • Participants understand the process of printing and can manipulate it to strengthen their own ideas

  • Participants can discuss the work of a range of abstract artists 

“Simon was really inspiring and patient with the children. He really got them interested in abstract art and developed their visual literacy in looking at his own, and other artist’s abstract art.” Teacher, Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary School

print making workshop in school

About the Artist

Simon is a printmaker.  He develops multi-layered abstract images inspired by a wide range of motifs gathered from the world around him.  His work combines monoprinting, collograph and relief printing and he uses a large printing press inherited from his grandfather.  Alongside his own practice, Simon created the organisation Double Elephant to enable people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of printing.

Artist workshops in schools

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print making workshops in schools