Immerse yourself in the world of printed arts at Métairie Bruyère and explore every stage of the creative process, from conception to final production. This training showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and collaboration between artists and artisans. Discover how traditional printing techniques, such as engraving and lithography, combine with contemporary practices to create unique works. At the end of the training, participants will be able to

• Understand the relationship between an artistic work and its translation into print
• Explore the artistic professions related to printing, such as engraver and printer, and their role in the creative process
• Identify the characteristics of traditional and modern printing techniques, such as woodcutting or other media, lithography, or typography
• Conduct practical tests by experimenting with various media, inks, and tools to better understand their impact on the aesthetics of the work

After an introduction to the skills and creations of Métairie Bruyère, the training invites an in-depth immersion in the techniques of printed arts. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the processes that transform a work of art into a printed work, combining technical dimensions and an artistic approach.

Participants will learn to recognize and differentiate between the main traditional and contemporary printing techniques, such as wood or metal engraving, lithography, letterpress, and monotype. They will understand the specificities of each process, their constraints, and the aesthetic effects they make possible.

A key focus will be on the dialogue between the artist and the craftspeople, engravers, and printers, whose collaboration is crucial in bringing a printed work to life. Through the study of concrete examples and completed projects, trainees will discover how this interaction shapes the final result.
The training also includes a significant practical component: participants will conduct trials using various media, inks, and tools. These workshops will allow them to become familiar with the fundamental techniques of printmaking and to directly grasp the technical and artistic challenges of these practices.

Finally, a comprehensive course will be offered, accompanying an artistic project from the preparatory sketch to the final print, in order to grasp the entire creative process in the printmaking process.

For auctioneers, this training is a real asset. It provides an in-depth understanding of printing techniques, essential for authenticating, evaluating, and valuing works. By understanding the specificities of the processes and the collaboration between artists and craftspeople, they will be able to better advise their clients and situate pieces in their artistic and historical context, thus enriching their professional expertise.

DAY 1 (1/2 day)

Afternoon / Presentation of the training & Intaglio Workshop

• Etching with Corinne Dutrou and Christian Mameron
• Each of the 12 participants draws with drypoint on a pre-varnished copper plate. The plates are etched with acid, the varnishes are removed, and then the students print a first version using an intaglio press.

DAY 2

Morning / Aquatint & Half-Group Tour

• Six students, along with Christian Mameron, return to their copper plate for the aquatint application to obtain shades of gray. They then apply the acid, and the varnishes are removed.
• At the same time, the other six students take a guided tour of the center with Corinne Dutrou. Historical presentation of the RLD publishing house and the artistic and charitable association "aux 4 vents de l'art" and visit of the RLD engraving, typography, and litho studios.

Afternoon / Aquatint & Half-group tour

• Switching of the morning groups.

DAY 3

Morning / Printing & Half-group presentation of artist's books

• Half a group will be printing aquatints with Christian.
• The other group will be exploring the exhibition rooms and bibliophile books from the extensive collection of art works published for over 50 years by RLD and printed in our workshops with Corinne Dutrou.

Afternoon

• Morning groups will switch places.

Christian Mameron is a master of printmaking and an expert in printing techniques, recognized for his work at Métairie Bruyère, an exceptional graphic arts center dedicated to the preservation and innovation of traditional skills. Passionate about his craft, he practices engraving and printing, combining respect for ancestral techniques with contemporary experimentation.
An accomplished engraver and printer, Christian regularly collaborates with numerous artists and institutions, contributing to the creation of unique works that blend technical finesse and artistic sensitivity. As an experienced instructor, he enthusiastically conveys the subtleties of the fine crafts related to printing, offering his trainees a complete immersion in this rich and demanding world. His work at Métairie Bruyère reflects this dual commitment: preserving the legacy of traditional techniques while exploring new creative avenues, making him a key figure in the world of contemporary graphic art.

La Métairie Bruyère is an exceptional graphic arts center, recognized for its commitment to preserving and developing traditional skills related to the printed arts. Located in a setting conducive to creation and transmission, it brings together passionate artisans, artists, and instructors who work in synergy to promote ancient techniques while exploring contemporary innovations.
This unique location offers a rare environment where engraving, lithography, typography, and other printing processes intersect, bringing to life original works that blend technical mastery and artistic creativity. Through its workshops and training programs, Métairie Bruyère plays a vital role in the transmission of artistic crafts, welcoming interns who come to deepen their skills and immerse themselves in this fascinating world. As both a conservatory of graphic heritage and an experimental laboratory, Métairie Bruyère has established itself as a key player in the world of printed arts, supporting collaboration between artists and artisans and fostering dialogue between tradition and modernity.

• Classroom, multipurpose room
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop work at Métairie Bruyère
• Active participation and experimentation of participants is encouraged

• Collective and personalized monitoring of work, regular updates
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Collective feedback
• Half-day attendance sheet
• Certification of completion issued by Campus MaNa