Printmaking

Welcome to printmaking! This course is so much fun to teach because every print that comes off the press is a surprise, and every student is able to be successful. Printmaking is a great process for both serious artists and beginners.  We will learn several techniques this semester and you will also become better creative thinkers which will help you in all your future artistic endeavors.

Semester Schedule

First Day Survey
Please click here to go to a survey that will allow me to get to know each of you better!

Choose an Image
From the books in the classroom, choose a 2D image that appeals to you.  Take a high quality photograph and include it in a Google doc with the following information:
1. The artist’s name, the title of the work, medium (what is it made of), dimensions, and date.
2. What appeals to you about this image? Why did you choose it?
Submit in google classroom.
What IS printmaking?
From wikipedia, the definition of printmaking is: "...the process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper. Printmaking normally covers only the process of creating prints that have an element of originality, rather than just being a photographic reproduction of a painting. Except in the case of monotyping, the process is capable of producing multiples of a same piece, which is called a print."

Watch the video from the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) linked below for a brief introduction to different printmaking processes.
Unit 1 - Monotype
Enduring Understanding:
  • Artists make multiple iterations of a subject to explore how visual choices impact meaning.
  • Experimentation leads to discoveries of new techniques, materials and strategies.
Essential Questions:
  • How is mood and meaning created in visual art?
  • What is the role of experimentation in art making?
Unit Objectives:
  • Students will be able to pull prints using a variety of monotype techniques.
  • Students will be able to describe how visual choices impact how a subject may be interpreted.
Unit Vocabulary:
  • A monotype is a one-of-a-kind print made from ink applied to a smooth surface like plexiglass.
  • A ghost print is the second print pulled from the plate without re-inking
  • A trace monotype is made by applying selective pressure to the reverse side of the print while it is in contact with the inked plate.
  • Registration is a technique used to control the placement of the print on the paper
First prints: Experimental exploration  (watch the Akua Ink Resource video linked below)
             Experimentation prints to demonstrate:
  1. Layering: print 2 or 3 times on one image using registration
  2. Explore mark making: create a wide range of marks using different tools and movements
  3. Additive (painted on) marks and subtractive (wiped-out) marks
  4. Try chin colle: print onto collaged text, photos, maps, pieces of books, receipts, old homework, handwritten notes, etc.
Artists Communicate slideshow: observation, abstraction, invention, expression
Trace Monotype & Ghost Printing​: Compositional Studies
Students will create a series of 4 prints that show:
  • contour line
  • 2 different compositions (placement of contour drawing within the rectangle)
  • trace monotype and ghost printing
  • varied color combinations.
  • At least one image has 2-3 layers of printing.
  • At least one print includes a chin colle addition
  • Quality craftsmanship including good registration
Critique and Reflection
Unit 2 - Reduction Print
Enduring Understanding: 
  • Artists react and respond to the world around them through the development of a creative process that informs their artwork. 
  • Artists create work through an investigative process that involves research and experimentation. 
Essential Questions:   
  • How do artists generate ideas and respond to the world in the creation of artwork?
  • What are the stages of development in the creation of a work of art?
Unit Objectives: 
  • Students will be able to describe the creative process and apply it to the creation of their artwork.
  • Students will be able to plan ahead and visualize to achieve the desired outcome in a multi-step process based artwork.​
Unit Vocabulary:
  • Relief: The image is printed from ink on the surface of wood, linoleum, or other flat surface. Nonprinting areas have been cut away.
  • Reduction: When one block is printed several times, removing a portion and changing color each time  (working from lightest to darkest and registration is critical)
Unit 3 - Drypoint
Unit 4 - Collograph

GRADING

Grading Weights:
  • Portfolio: 80% of grade
  • Studio Conduct: 20% of grade

Important Grading Notes from the Student Handbook:
  • Final Exams & Seniors:  Students will take semester and final exams when scheduled to do so. Seniors may be exempt from the semester exams in January and May at the teachers’ discretion if the student achieved a minimum grade of an A- for the two quarters in the semester. 
  • Incompletes:  A grade of Incomplete (I) will be given to a student who has unfinished course requirements because of extenuating factors such as protracted period(s) of illness. It is expected that the incomplete work be completed within ten (10) days after the close of a marking period; however, should a waiver be needed for extended time, the student should contact the Vice-Principal who will discuss the matter with the department head involved.  If the work is not completed within the specified time (includes waiver where granted), the incomplete grade will become an F; otherwise the teacher will report a regular grade.
  • Sports Eligibility:  Natick High School requires that students receive a minimum passing grade of D- or above at the close of the marking period (end of each term) prior to the beginning of a season and during said season. 

Classroom Guidelines

To be successful...
  • Be engaged in printmaking activities.  Never use this class as a study hall - this is your time to focus on being creative and with printmaking you can make infinite variations, so you are never “done”.
  • No food + drink on tables. (If you need a small snack, like a granola bar, eat it quickly and discreetly while I take attendance).
  • Cell phones + Computers put away (except when I ask students to use them)
  • ​Music - headphones may be ok only during extended studio time, and only if cell phones can still be put away - have a playlist set up so you aren’t using your phone to change songs.  Use common sense to be respectful and I get the final say on headphone use.
  • Clean up:  Your table is your team - work together to keep buckets organized and tables wiped. Messy tables/buckets = loss of points for the whole team.
  • Equipment: Please make every effort to keep all shared tools clean and in good condition
  • Respect other’s belongings and work. (Be careful not to damage work in shared spaces or create a mess that makes it hard to share the work space)
  • Be kind: avoid negative gossip and be your best self.