Lesson #3: Transfering the Sketch to the Printing Block

Part of the unit: Creating a Portrait Print |

Goals

Aim: 
How can you transfer your sketch to the printing block?
Students will be able to:
Describe the process of reduction printmaking.
Determine which area of the printing block should be cut out first.
Transfer their sketch to their printing block.
Students will understand that:
Printmakers carefully plan and execute their prints.
Materials

Sharpie markers;  9"x12" EZ-cut printing blocks, ebony pencils

Resources

Student sketches from lesson #2; and example of a final plate and four prints that illustrate the sequence of making a reduction print

Motivation: 

Explain that students will be learning the reduction method of printing to create their portrait print.

  • What does the word reduction mean?

Display a final plate and four prints that illustrate the reduction process.

  • Why is this called a reduction print?
  • Which part of the plate is inked?
  • How did the artist create the white areas on the print?
  • Which color on your sketch should be printed for the first layer?  Why?

Explain that the first areas to be carved out will remain the color of the paper.  The colors will be sequenced in terms of value, with the lightest color being #1 and the darkest color being #4.

A chart listing the steps can be posted.

The steps are as follows:

  • The areas to remain white (or the color of the paper) are cut out first.
  • The block is printed with color #1.
  • The areas that were printed with color #1 are cut away.
  • The block is printed with color #2 over the one-color print.
  • The areas that were printed with color #2 are cut away.
  • The block is printed with color #3 over the two-color print.
  • The areas that were printed with color #3 are cut away, leaving only what is to be printed with color #4..
  • The block is printed with color #4 over the three-color print. 

Explain that the first step in this process is to transfer the image from the sketch to the printing block. 

  • How can we transfer the sketch to the printing block?

Note that the image on your printing block is now a mirror-image.  

Demonstration: 

The teacher should demonstrate how to transfer his/her sketch from lesson #2 to the printing block by:

  • pencilling over the marker lines on the sketch
  • placing the sketch on the block
  • pressing on the reverse side of the sketch so the pencil lines are transferred to the block
  • outlining the pencil lines on the block with a Sharpie marker

 

Distribute EZ cut printing blocks and ebony pencils to each student.

Students transfer their images to the printing block and outline them with a Sharpie marker.

Ask the students to look at their printing blocks and at their sketches. Explain that they will be cutting away their first layer during the next lesson. Remind them that they will be cutting away the white areas first and will be inking their plate with the lightest color.

  • Why must you print the lightest color first?

Which of the following printmaking processes is the reduction print most similar to?

  • collograph
  • etching
  • lithograph
  • silkscreen
  • woodcut

Write a paragraph explaining your answer.