Lesson #4: Cutting the First Layer

Part of the unit: Creating a Portrait Print |
Download PDF of Lesson
Download PDF of Lesson

Goals

Aim: 
Why is it important to use the appropriate tool for printmaking?
Students will be able to:
Cut away the shapes that will appear white in the print
Safely use the speedball cutters
Students will understand that:
Artists select appropriate tools to get the desired effect.
Materials

Student printing blocks; size 1, 2, 3, and 5 speedball cutters and handles, four-color sketches

Note to Teachers:  Use enamel paint pens to number the cutters.  Set up a system for the distribution and return of the cutters.

Motivation & Demonstration

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Motivation: 

Ask a student volunteer to show his/her four-color sketch. 

  • Which areas should he/she cut away first?  Why?

Ask the class to put an x in each shape on their printing block that will remain white.  These shapes will be cut away first.

Demonstration: 

The teacher should demonstrate the proper use and handling of the speedball cutters, emphasizing that students must cut away from the body. He/she should demonstrate gouging out short, thick lines when cutting.

  • Why do we have four different size cutters available?

Students should be directed to select the size cutter to match the size of the shape being cut away.

 

Worktime
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Students will use the speedball cutters to cut away the shapes on their printing blocks that will appear white.

Reflection & Assessment
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  • What decisions did you have to make before cutting into the block?
  • What challenges did you encounter and how did you solve them?
  • Why is it important to use an appropriate tool for this process?