Japanese Woodcut

COURSE CODE: E2502PR02

COURSE DATES: Fridays 16 January 2026 - 27 March 2026

TUTOR: Carol Wilhide Justin ARE

DAYS: 10

TIMES: 10:30am – 4:30pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: All Levels

FEE: Early Bird: £607.50 / Standard Price: £675

LOCATION: Bankside Campus, 185 Park Street, SE1 9BL

This course is designed to explore Japanese woodcut from introduction to tools, materials and process to more advanced techniques such as graduated colour (bokashi) and texture (gomazuri) providing scope for experimentation and invention. Japanese woodcut differs from Western printmaking in that it is a completely non-toxic and environmentally friendly process where prints are handprinted using watercolour pigments. We will look at the history of Japanese woodcut and contemporary Japanese woodcut artists for inspiration and experiment with different carving methods using traditional Japanese tools and explore the many variables that make this such a flexible and fascinating technique. 

Beginning with an introduction to the tools, materials and process you will then develop your own prints supported fully by your tutor in group demonstrations and 1-1 support, with regular critique and constructive advice. 

You are encouraged to blend your own experience with all aspects of this course.

Students will be able to:

  • Explore the key concepts behind Japanese Woodcut in depth to develop critical understanding and evaluate outcomes. 
  • Work from initial visual prompts  (drawings, photographs) to design and create colour separations for  prints.
  • Learn how to handle Japanese cutting tools  safely and with increasing confidence. Explore different methods of using the tools and employing appropriate techniques for effect.
  • Learn how to achieve nuanced printing effects such as bokashi with water, pigment and baren pressure.
  • Understand the differences between press based and hand printed printing when printing using a baren and registering a print.
  • Be able to contextualise Japanese Woodcut through research into its history and cultural heritage
  • Engage in group crits, demonstrations and discussions around technique, artists’ work and other students’ work
  • Understand and develop workshop etiquette and cooperative studio practice skills.
  • Apply safe-working practices at all times. 

Recommend booking by: January 5, 2026

COURSE SCHEDULE

All Levels

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

This course is suitable for all levels. Students can move at their own pace depending on their experience, with as much support from the Tutor as they wish. This means an student from the following experience levels can join this course:

Beginner

Choose a Beginners course if you are looking for a broad introduction to the medium you are studying. Our Beginner courses are suitable for students with no prior experience.

Beginner +

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium.

Intermediate

Our Intermediate courses are suitable for students who have considerable prior knowledge of the taught medium or have completed a Beginners/Beginners + course with the Art Academy.

Advanced

Choose our Advanced courses if you have considerable knowledge in the taught medium. You are expected to be able to work independently and have critical discussions around your work.

YOU MUST BRING YOUR OWN MATERIALS.

Materials for this course must be paid for, including plates, paper, inks, chemicals, grounds and various sundries. The basic materials cost for the course is £40 per student, payable at the start of the course.  The tutor will advise on extra costs depending upon how many plates you create.

You must purchase your own materials for the self-led projects. Art Academy provides tools, presses and etching sundries in the Print Studio and there is availability for you to purchase individual paper and plates. You can choose to supply your own inks and extender or pay a service fee of £10 per session to access the available colours stocked and extender stocked by AA.

Carol Wilhide Justin

Carol Wilhide Justin is a printmaker who specialises in Japanese Woodcut. She trained in Japan at MI-Lab in Fujikawaguchiko, Japan and the Royal College of Art. As well as teaching at the Art Academy she also teaches at The Slade, Morley College and City Lit. She lectures on Japanese Woodcut for The Arts Society in the UK and abroad. Her book “Japanese Woodcut: Traditional Techniques and Contemporary Practice” is  available in the Art Academy library.

Her exhibitions include Clifford Chance, Travers Smith (where she won the CSR RCA Award,)  Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair where she won the Intaglio Printmakers Prize, National Open Art Exhibition and the West Yorkshire Print Workshop Show ‘Japan’ as well as abroad at Reutlingen Kunstmuseum, Germany and IMPC Nara Japan. Her work is held in print collections at Clifford Chance, RCA, CfSHE Tokyo Japan, Awagami Awa Japan and the V&A Museum in London.

https://www.carolwilhide.com 

Bankside Campus

185 Park Street,London SE1 9BL

tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

This is our new purpose built accessible campus. Find more information here

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Southwark (both a 10-15 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough Market”.

Students are welcome to use The Hub during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food. You must bring your own keep-cup, water bottle or food container to the Academy as mugs, glasses, and containers will not be available in our Bankside campus.

Tea and coffee will be provided by the Academy and is available from the island unit at the end of The Hub.

Terms and Conditions

  • By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.

  • You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

  • If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course

  • Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.

  • All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.

  • We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.

  • Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.

  • Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.

Original price was: £675.00.Current price is: £607.50.

Early Bird 10% off until the 17th of November

Artwork by students

Original price was: £675.00.Current price is: £607.50.