I am thrilled that master print maker, Alfons Bytautas RSA has agreed to run an experimental printmaking workshop here at Sun Road .
In this workshop, we’ll introduce you to the print technique of lithography, based on the principle that grease & water don’t mix. We will explore techniques using materials you will readily find at home, including tin foil and cola !
Spaces ltd to ONLY 4 so don't delay booking this one
Lovely seasonal homemade lunch, teas, coffee and all materials included
Traditionally lithographs were made on blocks of limestone, drawn
with greasy crayons and processed with gum & acid, but we will use a simple and accessible
technique often referred to as “kitchen litho”. The workshop will allow you to explore drawing &
mark-making using a variety of materials as part of the process and, amazingly, we’ll use kitchen
foil and cola to create our lithograph. No limestone blocks required! We will have access to to a
press but we’ll also experiment with printing by hand, useful if you wish to continue using the technique at home.
Alfons Bytautas
Alfons Bytautas was born in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders in 1955.At school he was taught by the
painter John McNairn, who had studied in Paris in the 1930’s at the Academie Scandinave,
supervised by the Fauve artist Othon Friesz.
Alfons studied drawing & painting at Edinburgh College of Art from 1972-77, where he was first
introduced to the techniques of printmaking.
He was subsequently employed by Edinburgh Printmakers, where he was Senior Etching Technician
until 2009 and worked with artists such as John Bellany and Alan Davie.
In 1983 he studied in Paris at the celebrated printmaking studio, Atelier 17 – the studio of S.W.
Hayter.
Alfons was elected an Associate Member of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1994, becoming an
Academician in 2006.
He was Principal Technician & Senior Print Technician at Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon
Tyne until his retirement in 2025.
Alfons is now a full time artist-printmaker and is co-director of Incubate Experimental Printmaking, an independent print studio based in Newcastle.
‘Incantation-Selected Works on Paper’ by Alfons Bytautas RSA will be showing at Sarah Nelson Gallery. There will be opportunity to view this during your day with us.
You are cordially invited to join us for the launch party of this exhibition at 6 Sun Road on Friday 18 September 6-8pm
