Posted: 4/24/2010
Exposing children and young learners to the art world can be a learning experience for everyone. Printmaking can spark a child’s interest in art and is easy to do with a large group. Often overlooked in art classes, printmaking is an artistic process by which a number of different elements are used to create multiple and unique versions of a single piece of artwork. Printmaking processes include silk screening, made famous by the Pop artist Andy Warhol. Relief printing, lithography, serigraphy, and intaglio are also included in the printmaking genre. Simple, kid-friendly projects are available and most supplies are easily found in fine arts and crafts stores and supermarkets. Imagination is required; children can explore the world around them and incorporate many different elements into their projects to make that unique and creative!
What You’ll Need
There are many different materials that can be used in printmaking, and each specific project has its own required materials. Textured objects, including wood, leaves, and sandpaper are typically incorporated into print making because they give the artwork a naturalistic quality that comes through beautifully. As with any messy art project, children should use aprons, old shirts, or other coverings to protect their clothing and newspaper or plastic should be used to cover the floor around the area in which the arts projects are being done. If possible, choose an area with linoleum flooring, it is the easiest to clean. The following items are typically used in most print making projects:
- Ink or paint, depending on the specific instructions of your project
- A printable surface, construction paper, fabric, and newsprint can all be used and each creates a different artistic effect on the end project
- Sponges can be used for creating different shapes, applying paint/inks, and provide another textural element to the artwork
- Small paint rollers are a great tool to incorporate; they apply media evenly and are easy for young children to use.
- A flat and even surface is needed to apply pressure to the prints, use a medium sized slab of Plexiglas or a heavy cookie sheet
Children should be reminded that printmaking is a creative project; there is no right or wrong way for a project to look. Print making can be challenging, by encouraging creativity and exploration, young children can walk away with a feeling of accomplishment and be proud of their artwork, even if it does not turn out the way they imagined; encouragement is the key to cultivating artistic creativity and appreciation.
Print Making Can Be a Relief!
The method of relief printing uses raised surfaces to create special effects. Budding artists can draw or trace a picture onto a material that can be cut. After the image has been drawn/traced, the white space around the drawing can be cut away. Materials commonly used to make printing plates include Styrofoam, plastic, and wood. A paint roller can then be used to spread the media on the plate. Place the plate, ink-side down, on the printable surface, then evenly apply pressure and allow the media to dry. If using flimsier materials, consider laying the plate of materials on a flat surface, cover with the printable surface, and gently rub with a crayon or colored pencil, the textures will appear darker or lighter depending on the amount of pressure that is applied.
What Is a Print?- Before you and your children start popping out prints, get a better understanding of the different method of printmaking that are available.
Flower stamping project- This project uses corks to apply the media to the printable surface for a fun springtime art project.
Veggie Prints- A great starting project for young artists, this project uses fruits and vegetables to give the project a unique organic feel.
Make Your Own Rubber Stamp- Young artists will gain a better understanding of printmaking and relief art when they are able to make their own stamp, which can then be applied in an activity on relief printmaking.
Incredible Intaglio!
The Intaglio print making process is done by cutting away at a surface. Plexiglas is commonly used in these projects. Artists carve lines and patterns into the surface with a burin, a v-shaped tool. Then ink/paint is lightly poured over the surface. After cleaning away excess media, leaving only the ink/pain that has sunk into the carved spaces, the printable surface is laid over the carved plate and pressure is applied. The printable surface, typically paper is used in intaglio projects, is pushed into the carved spaces and absorbs the ink/paint. This print making method is the basis for the etching method, which uses acid to manipulate a metal printing plate.
Styrofoam Printing- A beginner project, Styrofoam is used as the plate.
Soft-Kut Block Printing- This step-by-step art project is classroom friendly, great for a larger group. Block printing is a great way to teach young artists about relief printing and shapes in one easy lesson!
Serious Serigraphy!
Serigraphy is a type of silk screening and is much easier than it sounds. This method uses stencils, usually plastic or metal material with designs cut away. The media is applied to a bottom surface with a stencil layered on top of it, and then a third layer, the printable surface, is placed on top of that. Then pressure is applied to force the media through the stencil and onto the printable surface. In silk screening, silk is stretched tightly onto a wooden frame with a stencil adhered to it. Then force is applied to move the ink/paint through onto the material below. This is a great project to incorporate into a lesson on modern or Pop art.
Fine Art Print- Lessons and activities for beginning, intermediate, and advanced artists.
Silk Screen Cards- Learn how to make a unique silk screen card for the holidays.
DYI Silk Screen T-shirts- Advanced artists can learn how to make their own silk screen t-shirts with this easy to follow lesson with pictures showing the silk screening process.
Magnificent Monoprinting!
Monoprinting, as the word describes, is a method of print making that results in only one unique image. Artists can not recreate multiple copies of the artwork; instead, it is a one time deal. Similar to relief printing, monoprinting includes collage art. Traceable materials are laid flat, then a printable surface is placed on top, and then drawn on, transferring the media to the printable surface through the application of pressure. Monoprints have also been shown to include typography or type.
Art Through the Ages- This informative article and projects are great for a variety of audiences, including toddler and preschool aged children.
Printmaking Challenge- A lesson plan with step-by-step directions for teaching young students about monoprinting. This project targets intermediate learners.
Easy Printmaking- A simple printmaking activity for young children to explore shapes and textures.
Lasting Lithography
Also called planography, lithography is a bit more challenging than the previous methods. Working with the fact that grease and water do not mix, lithography uses flat stone or metal plates as bases. Media, such as crayons or pencil are used to draw a pattern on the stone or metal surface. Then, water and printing ink are added. The greasiness of the crayon or pencil helps to absorb the grease from the ink, separating it from the water. These projects are great to incorporate both principles of science and art! More advanced lithography projects use acid to stop the ink from settling in unwanted places.
Candle-Wax Painting- This project uses the greasiness of the candle wax and the watercolor paint to make a lithograph artwork.
ArtEdge- An advanced printmaking lesson that focuses on Japanese culture and the important role of printmaking.
Pop Shop Printing- Intermediate to advanced printmakers will appreciate this activity and walk away with a one of a kind t-shirt.
Printmaking is a versatile art form that allows students to explore different media and techniques. Art education would not be complete without these age old print making processes that continue to be popular today. From beginning art students, to young artists interesting in learning more about the Pop art techniques of lithography and serigraphy, printmaking will be a valuable edition to your young artist’s experience and portfolio.