Printmaking is where an artist creates an image using one material, (for instance wood, metal plate, styrofoam etc..) by etching, or carving lines into that material. Once the image has been created, the artist then puts dye or paint over the material base and then carefully flips the material base over onto another material (usually paper) and presses down hardly on the base to make an impression. The artist lifts the paper, leaving one print behind.
The point of printmaking is to make several "prints" of the same image. This lets the artist experiment with different materials until they find something that is just right. Check out how you can easily become a "printmaker" at home!
You will need...
- cardboard (box flaps and cereal boxes work great!)
- Tinfoil
- Cue Tips
- Paint Brush (foam brushes work the best)
- Paint (any color)
- Paper or other surfaces to print on
- Spoon (for pressing your prints)
- Miscellaneous Art Supplies (for experimenting later)
STEP 1: Prepare your PRINTING PLATE Cut your cardboard piece to whatever size you would like your prints to be....This is called your PRINTING PLATE. You can definitely create more than one size printing plate if you would like! Once you have the board the size you would like, wrap it in tinfoil. Be sure that one face of your printing plate is nice and flat....the backside can be bumpy and wrinkled. |
When your design is complete, while the paint is still wet, flip it over and press it firmly onto the paper that you are printing onto. Press it down for a few seconds and carefully turn it over without moving your printing plate. With the round side of a spoon, put gentle pressure on the paper moving the spoon in small, circular motions. After doing this over the entire surface, gently peel the paper off of your print and VOILA! You have created your first print!
Now EXPERIMENT with new surfaces to print on!
You can create a print out of pretty much anything. Scrap paper, newspaper, magazines, photographs, and you can even print on top of other artwork. Checkout some of the ideas we used below.