Introduction to Mokuhanga
April 18 @ 10:30 am - 5:00 pm
$398.00A 2-Day In-Studio Workshop!
Saturday and Sunday, April 18–19, 10:30 am–5 pm
View our current in-studio Health and Safety and Cancellation Policies >>
About this Workshop:
Mokuhanga is the traditional Japanese art of water-based woodblock printmaking. The word moku means “wood,” and hanga means “print” or “printed picture.”
This technique flourished during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1867), the same era that produced the iconic ukiyo-e prints. Contemporary mokuhanga artists still use many of the same methods today. Traditionally, printmaking in Japan was a collaborative process involving three specialists: the designer, the master carver, and the master printer. In contrast, most contemporary mokuhanga artists design, carve, and print their own work from start to finish.
In this course, you will learn how to create a multicolor print using water-based inks (watercolor) and hand-printing techniques on Japanese paper. All essential tools—including baren, Japanese brushes, and paper—will be provided.
Note: The focus of this course is to introduce the techniques, not produce an edition. Students will be encouraged to prepare a simple design, roughly 7”x10”. We will also cover using gradients, color effects, textures, and layering as part of the process.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate: Some experience with woodcut/carving is helpful but not required.
Registration closes April 8, 2026. Material fees are included with your registration to cover the supplies provided in class. Students may need to gather/purchase additional materials for class (see the materials list below). This list will also be provided with the registration confirmation email.
Sample images by Carlos Doria
CLASS MATERIALS LIST:
Registration includes a $55 materials fee to cover consumable materials provided in class, including a Shina wood block, paper, watercolor, and access to carving tools and brushes. Students will need to supply additional materials of their own, including:
- (optional) Personal apron (we’ll have extras) and/or wear clothes that can get a bit messy
- (optional) Your own personal wood carving tools if you’d prefer those over the class set – student-grade example
- (optional) Your own set/individual colors of watercolor tube paints – we’ll have a limited palette of colors available for the full class, but you’re welcome to bring your own, especially if you have specific colors in mind
- (optional) A notebook or sketchbook for working out ideas and/or taking notes
- A simple sketch for your wood block, roughly 7”x10” in size (or smaller)
Note: A few additional Shina wood blocks will be available to sale at the end of the workshop for any interested students.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:
Carlos Doria is a printmaker and designer based in Washington, DC. He works primarily in lithography and mokuhanga. A native of Argentina, he received his BFA at Brooklyn College and his MFA in set and film design at Tisch School for the Arts at NYU. He has participated in several residencies in Japan, where he studied mokuhanga, as well as workshops at various printmaking studios in the US and Europe. Recently he is experimenting with handmade paper, pulp paintings, and casting. Learn more about his work by following him on Instagram at @cdoria20.