Introduction:
A print is an image that has been transferred
from one surface to another. The earliest form of printing
involved pressing natural objects into wet clay so
they left an impression of the original image. Today
we will print with found gadgets and objects. Our art
will be abstract, composed of patterns, shapes, colors,
and lines.
Materials:
Black
construction paper 14x17 for individual prints
Large
black construction paper for group print (optional)
Tempura
paints or waterbased printing inks of assorted colors
Gadgets
and found objects, sponge scraps
Styrofoam
butcher plates
Round
brushes
Plastic
coffee can lids for palettes (optional)
Directions:
1. In each butcher plate put a thin layer of color. Keep your colors separate
to avoid muddy color. If students wish to mix their own colors they can use a
plastic lid as a palette.
2. Pick out some of the gadgets you find interesting. Apply paint to any of the
surfaces either by simply dipping them in paint or by applying color with a brush.
Now transfer the color onto the black paper by rolling, smudging, smearing, and
pressing with the gadgets.
3. Experiment printing with every and any surface to create interesting textures
and patterns. Mix colors on a palette or try layering them on your paper for interesting
effects. Let your students test the print effects of each gadget on a larger black
piece of paper which can serve as a group mural/print.
Art Terms:
Abstract – any art which discards realistic representation or subordinates
it in favor of shapes, patterns, colors, and lines.
Pattern – a decorative design using repeated figures or motifs.
Texture
– the tactile quality of a surface
Resources:
The Harper Collins Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques. Steven Sheehan, ed.
Harper Collins Publishers, NY 1991.
