PRINTMAKING

For our exploration, experimentation and practice with PRINTMAKING, we will be using Styrofoam for our printing base/plate ... in a sense, we could name our process "Styrocuts." We will be working toward creating a 2-3 color Reduction Print (where after each layer of printing, another portion of the printing surface is carved away to print another layer of color).

Once you've planned out four options for your self-portrait design in your sketchbook, and have chosen one to use as your final composition, you may gather your supplies:


1. Collect the necessary supplies:
- Ink/paint brayer
- Paint
- Paper
- Carving tool (pencil, finger nails, anything that can press into the Styrofoam to form your design)






2. First layer of carving:
Assess your chosen design and pick out the basic shapes and lines to carve into your Styrofoam for your first layer of color.

3. First paint rolling:
Using the ink/paint brayer, roll the lightest of your 2-3 colors onto the Styrofoam, making sure to completely cover the surface.

4. First layer of your print:
Carefully center your Styrofoam (paint-coated side facing down) over your printing surface, press down, and then carefully peel the paper off the Styrofoam.

5. Second layer of carving:
Allow your Styrofoam and print to dry, and then carve the second layer of lines/shapes.

6. Second paint rolling:
Again, using the ink/paint brayer, roll your second color onto the Styrofoam, making sure to cover the surface.

7. Second layer of your print:
Carefully align your Styrofoam (paint-coated side facing down) with the first color you printed, press down, and then carefully peel the paper off the Styrofoam. Notice how the first color you printed shows through where you did your second layer of carving!

**IF you've chosen to stop at 2 colors, you're done ... continue by repeating steps 5-7 again.

8. Pressing out large areas of Styrofoam:
While you cannot see it very well in the image, large areas of the Styrofoam are pressed down so that the third color printed will only cover small parts of the final print.

9. Third paint rolling:
Carefully roll your third color onto the Styrofoam where it is still raised, avoiding the areas where you pressed it down as best you can.

10. Third layer of your print:
Carefully align your Styrofoam (paint-coated side facing down) with the first/second color you printed, press down, and then carefully peel the paper off the Styrofoam. Notice how the first and second colors you printed show through where you pressed down!

All that's left is to date, number and sign your final print!