Printmaking Assignment

Vocabulary:

  • Print – A noun (the thing you make as you print) and a verb (the act of printing).
  • Monoprint – A single print that cannot be replicated.
  • Matrix – Used for printing (lino block, styrofoam, gelli, etc)
  • Brayer Rolls out the ink and onto the matrix.
  • Block Printing Ink – Ink used to print.

Step-by-step directions for Gelli Plate Printmaking:

  • Add a small amount of paint (a dab) to the gelli plate.
  • Use the brayer to roll out the paint until the paint is smooth like velvet.
  • Lay the paper on to the gelli plate.
  • Press the paper down well in order to get a good transfer.
    • Use a spoon if your skin is prone to paper burn.
  • Lift paper from the gelli plate.
  • Repeat after each layer dries to get different levels of depth, shapes, and colors.

Step-by-step directions for Styrofoam Printmaking:

  • Draw desired design onto a piece of paper
  • Tape the paper on top of the styrofoam
  • Trace the design from the piece of paper onto the styrofoam using a ball point pen, making a point to press down hard.
  • Lift the paper off of the styrofoam
  • Retrace over the design with a pen on the styrofoam
  • Put the ink on a glass sheet and use your brayer to spread out the ink until it is the consistency of velvet
    • This is how you will pick up the ink on the brayer after an initial roll
  • Roll the brayer over your styrofoam
  • Place a piece of paper over your styrofoam and press down firmly
    • Use a spoon if necessary for leverage or sensitive skin purposes
  • Take off the piece of paper to reveal your print

Age Level Adaptations: For very young students, I would simplify the printmaking process by taping the paper/matrix to keep it still therefore making it easier for smaller hands to use. I would also use a bigger matrix and simplified colors to also increase the ease of use.

For older students, I would extend the printmaking process by encouraging creation and use of stencils, more colors, and more shapes.

Project Ideas:

One printmaking project I would like to do is Monoprint Collages where students create monoprints, wait for them to dry, then cut up the prints into shapes then put them together to making a collage.

Another printmaking project I would like to do is Trashbag Monoprints where students use trashbags and cardboard to create a print they roll ink onto then press on paper to create a monoprint.

Professional Artists:

Banksy prints
Pulp Fiction by Banksy
Andy Warhol Prints
Marilynn Monroe by Andy Warhol

Artwork Examples:

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