Welcome to a workshop dedicated to mezzotint – one of the most painterly, subtle, and lyrical printmaking techniques. Mezzotint, often called the “black manner,” originated in the 17th century and became renowned for its unique ability to create delicate, velvety transitions in which deep black gradually dissolves into the faintest reflections of light. It is a technique that paints with darkness and allows light to emerge from within – as if the image were born from silence and shadow.
Workshop fee: CZK 1,200
Students and Krumlov Card holders: CZK 960, 20% discount
Saturday, 23 May 2026, 10:00–16:00
Course duration: 6 hours including a lunch break
Target group: Adults and art students (beginners and advanced participants)
Length: 6 hours
Capacity: 10 participants
Minimum attendance: 5 participants
Venue: Printmaking Studio, Port 1560
The number of places is limited, so do not hesitate to register as soon as possible!
Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the PORT 1560 Visitor Centre, no later than 7 days before the event. In the case of insufficient interest, we reserve the right to cancel the event.
The workshop is open to everyone – from complete beginners to experienced printmakers. Each participant will take home their own print. All tools and materials will be provided on site.
Discover the Magic of Mezzotint
This one-day printmaking workshop introduces participants to the classical mezzotint technique. Although it was invented during the Baroque period, it still holds an irreplaceable position among printmaking techniques today. It is the only printmaking method capable of creating smooth transitions between light and shadow, bringing it close to painting and photographic precision. Due to its technical and time demands, however, it is not used very often.
During the workshop, we will explore examples of this technique and its wide range of possibilities, extending far beyond its usual perception.
You will try a technique that combines not only technical precision, but also surprising spontaneity and expressive gesture. Physical contact with the material and tools also plays an important role. Mezzotint can serve as a starting point for combining with other intaglio techniques such as etching, aquatint, drypoint, as well as structural and experimental printmaking methods.
Lecturer:
Mgr. Jiří Hanuš, Ph.D.
Teacher and visual artist focusing on printmaking, painting, and illustration. He studied at the Václav Hollar School of Art, the Higher Vocational School of Graphic Arts (“Hellichovka”) in the Book Illustration and Graphic Design programme, and at the Faculty of Education of Charles University in Prague, specialising in Art Education for primary schools, secondary schools, and art schools. He also completed his doctoral studies there.
He worked for many years as a teacher of art education and art history at grammar schools, higher vocational schools, and art schools. He also has extensive experience leading printmaking workshops and educational programmes. He has long collaborated with organisations such as NIPOS-ARTAMA and the Department of Art Education at Charles University in Prague. Since 2025, he has been teaching specialised subjects at the Secondary School of Applied Arts of St. Agnes of Bohemia in Český Krumlov. He is a member of the SČUG Hollar association and, since 2023, also a member of the printmaking group Pres Nostres.
https://hanus-gallery.cz/
@hanus_gallery
https://presnostres.art/
Programme:
As we only have approximately six hours to work, we will simplify and shorten this historical technique slightly. Our goal is not to create a perfect master print, but rather to:
- understand the principle of mezzotint
- see the entire process from beginning to end
- try all the essential steps with our own hands
- and finally take home our own print
