Art 201: Studio Assignment- Printmaking

Description-  This exercise is designed to demonstrate and create the ability to draw from observation, incorporating elements of the built environment. By using proper compositional structures, and expanding that work into a final project, students will understand basic relief printmaking techniques. The students are given the choice of completing the project either by using their matrix to create five clean identical prints in a signed and numbered edition, or they may use their prints to create five unique pieces of work, using the prints as a basis. The project begins with the students creating an observational drawing using the built environment as the main focus of the piece. The drawing is then used to create their print matrix, in this case printing foam. The drawing is placed on top of the foam, and traced, thus creating the lines that will form the printing block. Then the matrix it rolled with printer's ink and placed ink side down on paper, and rubbed or pressed to create the print.

 

Rational- This exercise demonstrates the use of texture, repeating, pattern, design, and line to create expressive finished works. This assignment further informs students in how art and media inter-relate, thus drawing informs printmaking, which incorporates collage and painting techniques. These all combine to create a finished piece.  Students are encouraged to explore conceptual developmental processes, where one media (drawing) is necessary in creating another (printmaking).  Upon completion of this assignment, students will be able to draw from observation elements of the built environment, create a relief print matrix emphasizing texture, line, and composition, and utilize relief printmaking materials.

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Evidence- My demonstration prints began with my observational drawing of Cook Hall on the campus of Illinois State University. I chose Cook Hall because its castle like architecture was conducive to the linear and textural elements required in creating a successful relief print. My prints were created by using water based printmaking inks in primary colors. I then cut the prints into their compositional elements, thus creating collage pieces . I then combined these with found mass media printed elements , my drawings ,and other printed materials. I created five unique print/ collage pieces as my finished body of work