Learning Objectives
Students will be able to create engaging compositions that work not only visually but also conceptually. Students will be able to demonstrate basic relief printmaking techniques. Students will demonstrate familiarity with basic printmaking terms. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the history of propaganda posters, their use and their creation.
Materials
Sketchbook
Linoleum block
Linoleum cutting tools
ink
printmaking paper
brayer
spatula
mixing surface
burin
Time
3 Class Periods
Homework
Take Notes in Sketchbook
Gather all needed materials and work on compositions
Process
For this assignment you will be making an edition of 5 prints that deal with the idea of propaganda. I want to see your ideas, your beliefs in print. I will be grading you based on how well the idea is presented, not the idea itself. Your personal beliefs will have no bearing on your grade so please be open and honest. Stay away from popular ideas (abortion, gay marriage, gun rights) unless you have some powerful imagery and an incredible idea.
I firmly believe that making the work is the easy part; coming up with a good idea is a sign of true creativity. Spend time developing your idea and the imagery you are going to use to illustrate your ideas.
You will use one block of 8″ by 10″ linoleum for your prints. Sketch out your poster on an 8” by 10” sheet of paper. Once you are done and I have approved your drawing, use the graphite transfer technique to get your drawing onto the linoleum block.
Using the techniques discussed in class, start carving your block. Remember, in a relief print, that what is carved away will not print. Whatever is left, or not carved away, will print. You must use at least 3 colors in your print. Always work from light to dark. You can use hatching techniques to get changes in value and gradations. Look closely at a dollar bill. All of the shading is created through one color. Shading is created through hatching and cross-hatching.
Using techniques discuss in class, use masking tape to create a registration grid. This will be used so that all of your prints print in exactly the same spot every time.
Once you have your block completely cut out and the little bits of trash carefully removed it’s time to print. I like to have two tables set up as I am printing, one for inking the block and a clean table for printing. Using a piece of tile, spread a layer of ink across the top. Using the brayer, grab some of the ink and pull it down. It should sound like sizzling bacon and should have an even texture of tiny little peaks. If you have streaks, you have too much ink. If the roller is not turning, you have too much ink. Use the brayer to “transfer” ink to the block. Cover the entire block with ink. The first coat will usually be absorbed by the block and therefore your first print may be light. You want a consistent spread of ink across your block. Make sure it’s smooth with no bits of trash or fingerprints. Work fast when inking the block and printing.
Once you have inked your block, place it in the middle registration grid, lay a sheet a paper on top, making sure to line it up with your masking tape and print your image. You will be creating an edition of 5 prints, however you can create more to trade with classmates. An edition of 5 prints means an edition of 5 of your best; no fingerprints, smudges, etc.
Terms