7th Grade Linoleum Block Printing
In Art 7, students working on a relief printmaking unit using linoleum. For most students, this was their first experience printmaking so we spent the first couple classes go through the types of printmaking and sketching out designs that included blocks of positive and negative space. We talked about breaking up the space of the design through cropping and how to utilize the texture of the carving tools in the final image. Then, we transferred the images to pieces of linoleum and used gouges to carve out the negative space of the block.
To encourage safety and careful carving, I enforced a “One Band-Aid Rule” where students were only given one Band-Aid for the duration of the project if they cut themselves with the carving tools.
Finally, we got to printing! Student set up printing stations at some of the tables and using washable block printing ink and brayers to create their prints. We had access to a small printing press to roll the prints but hand barrens could also be used. Printmaking techniques we explored included black and white ink, solid color ink, multi-color ink, offset, and experimental prints. Students were required to submit a portfolio at the end of the project that included ten of their very best prints. They did not disappoint!
Categories Spring 2018, Student Teacher Blog