YEAR 12 PRINTMAKING

The study of Art enhances perception and focus. Art asks profound questions about the things we observe, imagine, and invent. How do we understand what we experience? How might we communicate the most important elements of the things we think, feel and see? 

Art is what makes us human. It helps us to make sense of our own lives and identify with the lives of others. It is also increasingly recognised as a driver of the innovative thinking needed to solve our world’s most pressing problems. Learning and practicing art, and tapping into your creativity, can make you better at whatever you do. It can also be a personal artistic journey and an opportunity for self-expression which is proven to enhance well-being and improves health and happiness. 

Studying Printmaking can open doors to creative industries such as:

• Artist, Photographer, Printmaker, Sculptor, Performance Art, Filmmaker

• Interior Design, Textile Design, Fashion Design, Costume and Set Designer

• Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Advertising, Web Design, Game Concept Artist, Architecture, Special Effects Designer

• Art Restorer, Gallery Curator, Exhibition Manager, Teacher, Art Historian

Visual skills are essential for a sophisticated workforce, so by studying Art you gain an education in the vital skills of learning to see and develop the ability to interpret and critique our image-saturated world. 

In this course you will learn to lead and manage your own personalised project inspired by your interests and passions, through an independent workbook practice and portfolio. You will advance your drawing skills using pencil, charcoal, pen and ink while developing your ability to draw with realism from observation.

You will develop your printmaking skills through reduction woodblock. You will undertake research relevant to your particular artistic interests which will build your knowledge base of artists and styles. 

This course will provide flexibility and freedom to express your ideas and work creatively, as well as develop critical thinking and the ability to interpret the world around you.

Term 1: Representational drawing of portraiture and landscape

• • • Compositional studies through photography - understanding light and shadow 'chiaroscuro'

    • Drawing studies using dry media and ink

    • Printmaking through woodblock

Term 2: Developing your idea

• Artist research

• Writing a proposal

• Developing printmaking compositions

Term 3: Advancing work into folio

• Extend ideas through printmaking

The whole year is project based and you will have the opportunity to develop a proposal based on whatever sparks your curiosity, guided by your teacher. 

To do this you will generate your own imagery, engage in art based research, and apply your ideas through the action of making artwork through an independent workbook practice and folio. Most of the time, you'll be drawing and printing!