Nature Printing Workshop at Full Bloom Farm

Please join us at Full Bloom Farm on beautiful Lummi Island, August 12th and 13th, 2023 for a two day, hands-on Nature Printing workshop led by veteran nature printing artist Vickie Schumacher. Students will learn how to make beautiful botanical nature prints with a vintage feel. Nature printing is a wonderful art form for anyone interested in plants. There is no drawing or painting experience required, just a keen interest in the natural world.

Vickie will guide students step-by-step through a fun and engaging process of printing with inked plants which they find on the farm or bring from home. Then students will be taught how to add color to these prints to bring them to life.

What is Nature Printing?

Nature printing is the process of creating prints from natural objects such as leaves, flowers, insects, and even fish (called gyotaku). The process involves applying ink to the subject then pressing it onto a surface to create a transferred image of the plant. The earliest known plant prints date back to the 13th century, but the technique did not become popular until the 18th century, when nature printing was used by botanists and naturalists to create accurate illustrations of plants. In 1737 Ben Franklin used a copper plate press to create prints from leaves, and early currency notes in the US utilized his plant prints of sage leaves. In the 19th century, nature printing became more popular as a form of art. Artists began to create nature prints that were more decorative and less scientific.

The Class:
Vickie will discuss composition and its importance in a work of art, nature printing procedures, and how to use simple color washes to enhance prints. August on the farm is a stunning time with beautiful weather and plenty of plants to choose from. All supplies are included, just bring your favorite art apron!

Day 1: We will walk the farm to find plants for printing and identify them. This treasure hunt is half the fun and opens our eyes to the variety of plants available. After our farm foray we’ll head back to the studio where we’ll ink up the plants and print them onto paper into a composed scene. There will be plenty of paper and materials in order to make several beautiful prints.

Day 2: We will hand-color the images we have printed, and continue printing, adding grass prints or other components and colorizing as desired.

Insects, anyone?
Vicki has developed a great process for nature printing insects, such as butterflies and dragonflies. If you would like to try this, please feel free to bring along an insect or two (deceased).

The Setting
The workshop will take place in our newly renovated barn studio space, full of natural light and located right off the flower garden and farm stand. Take time before or after class to explore the farm, the beaches, forests, and wildlife that Lummi Island offers.