James Heumann

New at the Casa – Print Making and the Prepatory Sketch – with James Heumann
February 20 – 27, 2027

James Heumann is a visual artist and printmaker and has been presenting relief printmaking workshops in Alaska and elsewhere in Mexico for over fifteen years. I (and many Casa participants), have had the pleasure of getting to know James, who has served as our studio intern in many of the painting workshops at the Casa over the past 5 years. Over this time Jim showed his dedication not only to the Casa workshops and general functioning, but also helping to facilitate the participants growth and comfort, showing both compassion and patience. Even more revealing of Jims’ character has been his dedication to his personal and artistic growth during this time. Along the way, I am pleased to say, Jim has become a friend. During the time Jim has assisted in our very busy behind the scenes daily operation, I have come to find that Jim is an accomplished print maker and dedicated to being an artist. Jim continues to reveal his artistic spirit, being very curious and continually open to learning and expanding, advancing in his craft, and committed to sharing his knowledge, enthusiasm and wisdom in a humble way. In my view, all the signs of a great artist.

James’ love of printmaking began when he enrolled in his first printmaking class over 25 years ago and he has been an active printmaker ever since. He is inspired by artists throughout the world who have used the medium to create accessible art and communicate important ideas.

Over the last 20 years he has presented printmaking workshops at the Alaska State Museum, schools, and local arts organizations in Juneau, Alaska. In 2010 James began presenting annual adult printmaking workshops in Juneau, Alaska and has also presented workshops in the community of La Penita de Jaltemba, Mexico. James’ greatest satisfaction as an instructor is witnessing students build a strong confidence of printmaking practices and incorporate them into their regular art practice.

Jims’ workshops emphasize regular sketching as a means for refining skills and to capture and refine new ideas. A regular sketching practice is especially rewarding for traveling artists as an easily transportable means of recording adventures in new and stimulating environments.

In recent years James participated in the founding of the two-day Wayzgoose printmaking seminar and workshop event occurring each October in Juneau, Alaska and in 2025 helped originate the bi-weekly Drawing at the Museum series at the Alaska State Museum. This year Rotary of Juneau recognized his community-wide education and outreach printmaking achievements at their annual recognition ceremony. 

We are excited to have Jim bring a new media and workshop to the Casa. Join him for what will be a fun learning experience:

Print Making and the Prepatory Sketch – with James Heumann
February 20 – 27, 2027

Click here to see details of this Workshop

• Art Supplies: This printmaking and sketch workshop will provide carving blocks, transfer materials, brayers, ink, a wide range of printmaking paper and related printmaking materials and participants are not required to bring large amounts of equipment. With this in mind participants are encouraged to pack lightly and do not have to bring huge amounts of art supplies to have a successful art experience. Participants should bring the following: 
  • Relief Print Block Carving Tools: The typical set of relief print carving tools includes a skewed knife, multiple u-gouges and v-gouges, and a bull-nose chisel. A five to six tool carving set is sufficient for this workshop although some participants may wish to bring some additional tools. If you need to purchase carving tools, several excellent brands include:
    • Power Grip (Woodcraft.com), 
    • Flexcut Beginners Palm Set (flexcut.com), and 
    • All of the tool sets marketed by McClain’s Printmaking Supply (www.imcclains.com).
  • Visual Aids: Many printmakers benefit by using visual aids during the carving process and participants are encouraged to bring a headband magnifier, good reading glasses, or other visual aids they find helpful.
  • Sketch Kits: Our daily sketch practice will include landscape and still life sketching. Participants are encouraged to bring sketchbook(s), drawing materials, and a portable watercolor kit. My go to sketch kit includes the following:
  • • • Strathmore wire bound Toned Tan sketchbook. I use the 9” x 12” size for my daily sketching but also use a smaller version for days when I’m traveling extra light.
      • Drawing tools, including 6B drawing pencils, white charcoal markers, a variety of Faber-Castel Pitt Artist pens, pencil sharpeners, and erasers.
      • Watercolor pan set and several good quality paint brushes: I currently carry pan set of Derwent Inktense watercolor paints to add color to my sketches.