Printmaking

Students in 8th grade explore ways to create art that is different from the traditional paper and pencil route. One of those methods is linoleum block printmaking. In this process students look at graphic arts and design to create a logo that represents them as a person. They transfer their logo to the linoleum block and carve away the parts that they don't want to be a part of their design. We talk about carving techniques that deal with safety and with design. After the blocks are carved we experiment with different ways that colors interact with each other and what message the color choices convey. Students also learn techniques to make their prints look different from other artist's prints by blending the inks and creating double prints. Students are introduced to self reflection as they narrow all of their prints down to the 6 best and put these in a series.