Today's Class- Today's formal topic was texture, which we will be exploring through a print process called collagraph. I opened with a slide presentation on the history of printmaking
starting with the earliest European woodcuts, then the introduction of intaglio (etching and engraving) into metal, then lithography, followed by side looks to Japanese print traditions and contemporary prints by artists I have worked with. Today's portfolio exercise was starting the creation of a collagraph plate, which uses a collage of materials to make the printing plate, rather than carving, acid, or other means. I provided small sheets of cardboard for students to use as a base and various found cloth pieces. Examples of past student prints and their plates were also shown. Students constructed their plates. Some finished, some have plans to add additional materials from home.
How to make this up- You will need a flat thin piece of cardboard- we were using broad sides of cereal and cracker boxes, the plain sides. Anywhere from 5"x7" to 8"x10" will work well. You may sketch it our first, or just start attaching textured materials to the cardboard. (white glue works well, but some students asked about hot glue, which would also work)
The subject is up to you, but should be something recognizable, such as an object, a defined space, a symbol, or even words and numbers, though in that last case remember that everything prints backwards (as in a mirror), so letters or numbers have to be made backwards to print the correct way. The other requirement is that there need to be at least 8 different textures (created by different materials) in the finished print. Below are some student examples of the plate and resulting print.
The next two images just show sample student prints. Click on them to enlarge. Note how different materials result in different textures when printed. We will be using black ink, and the colors of materials used to make the plate don't matter. If students want to include color in their image, they can do like the last example, and add it after the ink dries, using watercolor, pastels, etc.
These are portfolio exercises. Complete them and bring them in for November 17, 2017, at which time I will bring in ink and printing tools so we can print your images.
Homework- The first paper is due next week at the beginning of class. Originally I assigned that to be the museum assignment, but at the request of some students, I will be allowing the research assignment to be done first if they prefer. Just complete one of them for November 10th.
I had asked that the photo exercise be completed for next week as well, so results can be shared with the whole class, However, as a portfolio exercise, it can be turned in by the end of the semester for full credit.
For next class 11/10/07- We will be starting our first individually graded art project of the semester. It will be a two week project in class, plus some additional time to complete it on your own. Bring your 18"x 24" pad, pencil and eraser, and your pastels.
