White-Line Woodcuts: Who, What & Why? with Sally Brophy

What is a white-line woodcut? Why use wood when you can just paint on paper? Who came up with this idea? The fun starts right away as you begin making your first print. As we continue to stir the creative juices, I’ll also be giving you some background on the fascinating history of this art form. I’ll read excerpts from various publications about the artists who are connected to it, and show you examples of their work as inspiration. A visit to several galleries that feature white-line woodcuts is included, and the final class will include viewing HBO’s Packed in a Trunk to give you the latest historical twist. This art form is very approachable for beginners and a fascinating exploration for experienced artists.

Sally Brophy studied the technique with Kathryn Smith, who was taught by her grandmother, Ferol Sibley Warthen. Warthen learned from Blanche Lazzell, one of the first artists to develop the art form in Provincetown. This lineage of women printmakers represents both the rich legacy and the vibrant contemporary community of white-line artist that continue to create on Cape Cod today. Brophy is represented by the James R. Bakker Gallery in Provincetown.