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:
Artwork Examples:
Styrofoam Prints
Trace Monoprint