Today's Class- Today's topic was printmaking, which includes all mediums that make use of print processes, or using a fixed matrix to create multiples in art. I showed a few dozen art historical slides, covering some of the history of printmaking. At the same time I explained aspects of the processes. We discussed basics of relief, intaglio (etching), lithography, serigraphy (silkscreen), and monotype. Today's art project was also print related- with the students starting to make collographic printing plates using cardboard and scrap materials, although they may add other things from home before we print from them in 2 weeks. With one section we looked at the photos students took as part of the photo assignment given a few weeks ago, while the other section got back the graded research assignments. Next week the two sections will catch up to each other.
How to make this up- The first step is to create a collograph plate. You will need a piece of flat cardboard like material. I provided cereal boxes to the students (the broad front or back side is fine, or that of a cracker box will do), or you can use a piece of mat board about 8" x 10". To the backing board you will need to attach relatively flat material, creating a collage of sorts. These materials should have a variety of textures, and out process will be to print these textures using printing ink.
Above and below are examples from previous semesters of student collagraph plates and resulting prints. Prints were made with black printing ink, so the color of the objects on the plates had nothing to do with resulting images. (in the bowl of fruit above the color was added on top of the dried ink, just as was common going back to the renaissance, and you have the option of doing the same using watercolors or pastels from your kit)
Above and below are two more completed prints from previous semesters. Variations in value and texture in each piece are the result of variety in the collaged pieces, since all were printed with the same black ink.
Your choice of subject should be representational, but otherwise is up to you. At least eight (8) different textures should be represented in the plate that you make. You may use any materials you want, though anything too fragile (such as drying leaves) should be coated with spray acrylic or white glue to give it protection, and I advise staying away from cotton balls, which seem like they'd have interesting texture, but they are likely to stick to the ink. Keep in mind, that the print will be a mirror image of the plate, so if you want letters or numbers to be readable in the print, they will need to be backwards on the plate.
I expect to bring in printing materials (ink and tools) on April 7, 2017, so have you completed plate that day and we'll print them in class while you are working on another project.
Homework- Our second written assignment, the museum paper, is due on April 28, 2017 to receive full credit. Students who turn it in by then will have the opportunity to correct any mistakes or omissions and resubmit it for a better grade. One student turned in theirs already today, so it can be sooner than that if you wish.
For next class 3/31/17- We will be starting the first graded art project of the semester, our 2D final, and not part of the portfolio grade. It will make use of the pastels I asked you to buy and you'll have more than one week to finish it. Bring in your 18" x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and a set of inexpensive color pastels (oil or chalk will work, whatever you can easily find)
