11/23/11 Drawing 1

Today's Class- Today we explored a printmaking medium that has much in common with value drawing, the monotype. Monotypes can be done many ways with many different materials, but we tried a very traditional process, using oil based media on glass or plexiglass. The class worked from typical still life objects, everyone completing at least 3 prints.

How to make this up- Find 3 objects of similar size, one white, two with darker values. Set up on a table with some kind of backdrop and shine a direct light to create patterns of light and shadow. You will need a printing plate, made from glass or plexiglass, about 8" x 10". (if glass, I recommend putting some masking tape on all edges to reduce the chance of getting cuts) Cut three pieces of paper that are at least slightly larger than the printing plate and set aside. Lay out some newspaper on your work surface, as this will be messy.

The drawings were done as value reductions, like when we filled a page with vine charcoal and erased out the lights. Spread a small amount of your black oil paint or relief ink over the whole plate, covering it with a very thin layer. Use whatever tools you would like to draw into the ink and remove it. (today's students used such things as q-tips, paint brushes, mat cards, and paper towels) A few drops of vegetable oil will help loosen the ink and make it easier to wipe. You can add more ink back if you need to redraw sections. Once you are satisfied with the drawing on the plate, carefully place a piece of the paper on top and gently rub the back of the paper with your hand to transfer the ink to the paper. Pick up the corners to see how it looks, and if it's lighter than you expect, drop it back down and rub again. (a wooden spoon or equivalent can be helpful) Students were asked to bring black paint or ink, so that the images would relate to our experiences with charcoal, etc, but a few only had color paints. Examples of both black and white and color can be seen above and below.

Do the following drawings-

1) Draw one of the objects by itself

2) Draw two side by side objects

3) Draw all three objects, or substitute one complex object (the alternate today was flowers in a vase)

The completed prints should be allowed to dry in the open air if possible, for about a week or so. This is a portfolio exercise, and the prints should be saved to be part of your 2nd half of the semester portfolio. If you are confused by the above directions, wait and ask me about it next week in class.

Homework- None today. Enjoy the holiday, or use the time to make up back homework assignments if you are behind.

For next class 11/30/11- We will go back to using the conte crayons, this time to try a variation of chiaroscuro drawing. Bring your 18" x 24" pad, both red and black conte crayons, erasers, and anything you find useful for blending.