Exploring Printmaking
with Francesco Geronazzo
25-29 November 2026
3.5 days tuition | Printmaking | Traditional and Experimental Techniques | All levels
An immersive printmaking retreat exploring traditional and experimental techniques, non-toxic processes and the creative possibilities that emerge when different methods are combined.
Residential retreat at Greenhills Art Centre, Western Australian Wheatbelt
-
3.5 Days Tuition
-
Traditional & Experimental Printmaking
-
Non-Toxic Processes
-
Small Residential Group
-
25–29 November 2026
-
All Levels Welcome
Exploring Printmaking
Spend 3.5 immersive days in the studio with printmaker and educator Francesco Geronazzo, exploring the possibilities that emerge when traditional printmaking processes meet more experimental approaches.
This retreat is designed to take you beyond a single technique.
Working across methods including drypoint, mezzotint, monoprinting, gum printing and carborundum, Francesco will encourage you to experiment, combine processes and discover new ways of developing your own creative language through printmaking.
You’ll create plates using a variety of materials including zinc, polycarbonate, cardboard and Tetra Pak, then proof your work using different colours and approaches.
Throughout the retreat, the emphasis is not simply on producing a finished print, but on experimenting, observing what happens and using each proof to decide where the work might go next.
During the Retreat You’ll Explore
Drypoint
Explore the direct, drawing-based qualities of drypoint, including the use of unconventional tools to create different marks and effects.
Mezzotint & Tonal Effects
Discover approaches to creating rich tonal variation and darker passages without relying on chemical processes.
Carborundum
Experiment with carborundum to introduce darker areas, texture and detail into your plates and prints.
Plate Making
Create printing plates from a range of traditional and unconventional materials, including zinc, polycarbonate, cardboard and Tetra Pak.
Proofing & Colour
Print and proof your plates using different colours, learning to evaluate each state and identify opportunities to develop the image further.
Monoprinting & Gum Printing
Explore more painterly and experimental methods for creating unique states and individual works.
Combining Techniques
Bring drawing, tone, texture and different printmaking processes together rather than treating each technique in isolation.
Non-Toxic Printmaking
Explore printmaking approaches that minimise the use of chemicals while still allowing you to achieve tonal effects, detail and larger plate sizes.
Experiment, Proof, Respond
A central part of Francesco’s approach is experimentation.
Rather than expecting every plate to produce a predetermined result, you’ll learn to use proofing as part of the creative process.
Print. Look. Respond. Change the plate. Print again.
By working across materials, techniques and colours, you’ll have the opportunity to discover unexpected combinations and develop ideas that reflect your own creative identity.
Your Retreat Schedule
Wednesday 25 November
Arrive at Greenhills Art Centre from 12pm and settle into your room.
Lunch will be served at 1pm, giving you the opportunity to meet Francesco and your fellow participants before heading into the studio.
Afternoon Teaching Session
Your printmaking retreat begins after lunch with Francesco introducing the processes, materials and ideas that will form the foundation for the days ahead.
Dinner and a relaxed evening at Greenhills.
Thursday 26 November
Full Teaching Day
A full day in the studio with Francesco, combining demonstrations, printmaking, experimentation and individual guidance.
Friday 27 November
Full Teaching Day
Continue developing your plates and prints, exploring different techniques, materials, colour and approaches.
Saturday 28 November
Final Teaching Day
A final full day in the studio, allowing time to develop your work, experiment with different processes and bring together what you have explored throughout the retreat.
The retreat concludes at the end of the teaching day.
Sunday 29 November
Breakfast followed by departure.
About Francesco Geronazzo
Francesco Geronazzo is an Italian-born printmaker and educator with extensive experience in traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques.
Born in Valdobbiadene, Treviso, Francesco studied at Treviso’s Artistic High School before spending five months as an etching assistant at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto.
He went on to complete his Master’s degree in Printmaking at the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, where he later lectured in printmaking for two years.
Francesco now divides his time between Margaret River in Western Australia, where he teaches printmaking techniques at Margaret River Printmaking, and Italy, where he runs Italian printmaking retreats.
His teaching brings together a strong grounding in traditional printmaking with experimentation, unconventional materials and environmentally conscious, non-toxic processes.
Follow Francesco
Keep up with Francesco's work, workshops and printmaking practice:
Instagram | Facebook | Website
The Greenhills Experience - More than a workshop
A retreat at Greenhills gives you something that can be difficult to find in everyday life — uninterrupted creative time.
With accommodation, meals and the studio all in one place, there’s no need to pack up at the end of each teaching session and rush home.
Instead, your days can revolve around making, experimenting, sharing meals and talking with other artists.
Printmaking particularly benefits from this immersive format. Plates and ideas can evolve over several days, allowing you to return to your work, make changes, proof again and see where the process takes you.
Your retreat includes:
-
3.5 days tuition with Francesco Geronazzo
-
4 nights private accommodation at Greenhills Art Centre
-
Lunch and dinner on arrival day
-
Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout your retreat
-
Morning and afternoon tea
-
Studio access
-
Demonstrations and individual guidance
-
A small group of fellow artists
-
All linen and towels
-
Airport transfers where applicable
Who should attend?
This retreat is for artists who are curious about printmaking and enjoy experimenting with process.
Whether you are relatively new to printmaking or already have experience, Francesco’s approach offers the opportunity to explore techniques, experiment with materials and develop your own creative response.
The retreat will particularly suit artists wanting to explore traditional and experimental printmaking, develop their understanding of drypoint and tonal processes, work with different plate materials, experiment with colour and proofing, combine several printmaking techniques and investigate non-toxic approaches.
Most importantly, it is an opportunity to spend several uninterrupted days immersed in making.
Materials
A complete materials list will be emailed to participants following confirmation of booking.
Your retreat
$2300 per person — private room
Your retreat includes accommodation, all meals, 3.5 days tuition with Francesco and studio access throughout your stay.
Coming with a friend?
Save 10% each when sharing one of our limited twin rooms.
Independent Stay option
For participants staying nearby or travelling in their own caravan/motorhome, a limited number of non-residential places may be available.
Contact us for availability and pricing.
Immerse Yourself in Printmaking at Greenhills
Three and a half days of tuition.
A small group.
Traditional techniques and experimental processes.
Time to make, proof, experiment and try again.
No everyday distractions.
Just uninterrupted studio time, good food, conversation and the opportunity to explore where printmaking can take your work.
25–29 November 2026
Places are limited.
Book Your Greenhills Retreat
Complete the form below and we'll send your deposit invoice to secure your place.