Adrian Holmes

 Intermediate Mokuhanga Courses 2026

Course introduction

Intermediate Mokuhanga Course

This five-day course is designed for participants with some prior experience in Japanese woodblock printing, such as those who have completed a beginners' or introductory class. We will take a deeper dive into the art of Mokuhanga, exploring a range of advanced carving and printing techniques.

Participants will develop their practical skills through focused sessions on techniques such as:

Bokashi (ぼかし / gradation printing) – applying pigment to the block in gradients, including:

Ichimoji bokashi – single-direction fade

Futai bokashi – two-direction fade

Carving precise key lines and intricate details

Kasure-bori (擦れ彫り / scratchy carving) – refining detail and texture using the hangi-to

Carving precise key lines and intricate details

Karazuri (空摺り / blind embossing) – creating texture without pigment

Multiple baren techniques – varying pressure, speed, and motion with different baren types (e.g., shin, suri, goma) to achieve subtle effects and highlights

We will also examine the work of contemporary Mokuhanga artists for inspiration, while experimenting with alternative carving approaches and exploring the many variables that make Mokuhanga such a rich and expressive medium. The course is structured to provide a supportive and collaborative studio environment. Exchange of ideas is encouraged, and participants will be guided to develop their own final print designs. The first two days will focus on building skills and exploring techniques, after which learners will begin developing their individual designs and producing finished prints, applying what they have learned.

LearningOutcomes:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explore and understand key concepts in Mokuhanga and how they relate to traditional and contemporary practice

• Develop your ideas from initial visual prompts (such as sketches, photographs,) into final designs with colour separations, looking at a varity of different approches to making a woodblock print

• Use Japanese carving tools safely and effectively, exploring a range of techniques for expressive and technical outcomes. Learn basic sharpening techniques.

• Develop printing skills and effects, including bokashi and gomazuri, explore pigments,mixing and applications. Learn about the baren and how to correctly use and care for this tool

• Strengthen your personal visual language, technical skills, and ability to make artistic decisions

Class format and activities

The course will be held at Kernow Mokuhanga Studios, based at Krowji in Redruth. The structure is designed to both build on and challenge your existing knowledge through a combination of , demonstrations, individual guidance from Adrian, and peer discussion.

Adrian fosters a warm and inclusive studio environment where mutual respect and learning from each other are central. Participants should be comfortable working independently at times, using the five days to develop new skills and work on self-directed projects. You're encouraged to bring ideas and come with a clear sense of what you'd like to explore or produce during the course.

Please note: All basic materials with be provided by Adrian, this includes test papers, Shina Plywoods, pigments all tools and barens. Students wanting to use more specialist handmade washi and more specific woods such as Cherry, Magnolia, and Katsura are asked to pay a reduced fee for these items.

Adrian has a price list for all items and you can purchase these as necessary at Kernow Mokuhanga Studios.

What the Students say about the course