today the 7th graders are printing their lino blocks in a room that was meant to be a science classroom - my art room. it is amazing to watch them line up at the sink without killing each other. when we print we don't use brayers. wait, you might be saying, i thought you taught computer art. right, i do, we use the photos that the kids take.
- they look for photos that have large shapes and little detail
- images that fill the 12 x 12 block with more positive than negative space.
when it is time to print they limit themselves to 3 colors of ink (a light, a medium, and a dark)
- they apply the ink directly to the block in dots.
- they use a large bristle brush and try not to use too much water because the ink must remain sticky. i
- ask them not to clean their brushes during the application process so that the end result looks painterly and not flat like a wall.
stay tuned for image and suggestions for making lino prints into mixed media works.
