eLecture

Rob Smith

11/01/09

eLecture on Styrofoam Relief Printing for grades 5 and up

Styrofoam Relief Prints are based on woodcut printing. Both are types of relief printing. Relief prints are the first types of printing and the only type traditionally used in the far east. It is believe that it was originally created to print patterns on fabric (fiber art-still practiced today). Artifacts from Mesopotamia dating back to 3,000 BC show evidence of clay stamps made for this purpose. Relief prints were used in China to create the first books, believed to be Buddhist text.

Some examples of well known artists and artwork include Hokusai. He was a Japanese woodcut artist who produced one of the most famous Japanese prints, The Great Wave Off Kanagwa.

Hokusai – The Great Wave Off Kanagwa

Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso were two of the most influential artists in the twentieth century. Their stylistic innovations altered the course of modern art and managed to affect generations of following artists. Both used relief printing as one of their methods. Relief prints are a natural medium for Cubist artists due to it’s ability to achieve flat shapes. Form and volume is still possible, however it is a greater challenge for the artist.

Henri Matisse – Florentine

Pablo Picasso - Tête de Femme

Though there are numerous methods to create a relief print. The most effective way to cover this technique in the classroom is with Styrofoam. Follow the simple instructions below to demonstrate and teach artists this wonderful technique.

Questions to ask yourself before you begin.

What are some different forms of relief?

What different civilizations used relief in art?

How can using multiple plates and colors affect the outcome of the image?

How can relief prints be used to convey a geometric feel to an image?

Follow these links to view the simple instructional video on how to create your own Relief Print –

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzZNU-3glds

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECZ7HJotoVI

Things you will need to begin-

Ink

Paper

Brayer – The roller used for applying ink. The term “Ink up” means to apply ink to the relief with the Brayer.

Baren – Soft tool with a handle used to rub the ink from the relief onto the paper.

Ball Point Pen

Styrofoam Relief Sheet/ Styrofoam Plate

Rolling Plate

To begin we will start by brainstorming a sketch approximately the same size as the print you will make. After you have completed your sketch, trace it lightly onto your Styrofoam plate. Once your image is sketched, use the ballpoint pen and trace your lines pressing into the foam as you do. After you are satisfied with your relief marks, we need to ink the Rolling Plate. Squeeze three two-inch lines onto your Rolling Plate. Now use the Brayer to roll out the ink in an even layer. It is useful to switch between perpendicular directions to spread the ink effectively. When the ink is evenly spread, use the brayer to ink up your relief. You’ll want to make sure the entire relief is adequately covered, but you don’t want to fill all the impressions with ink. This will result in the loss of line. Take your inked relief and flip it over onto your paper. Use the Baren to provide even pressure and transfer the ink to the paper. Use a circular motion when using the Baren. Once you think you’ve transferred the ink, peel off your relief to reveal your relief print!

The Styrofoam plate can be reused several times. Just wash it off in the sink with warm water. This fun project is suitable for children 10 and up, though supervision with younger children can allow even younger artists to enjoy relief printing.

Resources:

Boisseree - http://www.boisseree.com/en/originalprint/originalprint.html

Lino-Cut Printmaking - http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/godwin/hoen_l/artinsight1/art1projects/PrintingLinoCut.html

ColourLovers - http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2007/09/20/the-colors-of-woodblock-painting