This lesson plan follows on from the lesson ‘Printmaking Collographs- A fun art lesson plan for years 3/4 on Picasso and Gilbert’ but may also be used on its own. Students continue to explore different forms and design principles of simple print making techniques to encourage the use of imagery and texture to create unique designs.

• Explore ideas and artworks from different cultures and times, including artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, to use as inspiration for their own representations (ACAVAM110)
• Use materials, techniques and processes to explore visual conventions when making artworks (ACAVAM111)
•  Present artworks and describe how they have used visual conventions to represent their ideas (ACAVAM112)
• Identify intended purposes and meanings of artworks using visual arts terminology to compare artworks, starting with visual artworks in Australia including visual artworks of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACAVAR113)

Introduction:

Re-discuss the art of printmaking with students and remind them that there are several types such as a collograph, linoprint, screen print, mono print and mixed media print. Explain that today you will be focusing on foam linoprints.

Printing Foam Linoprint

• Take a piece of printing foam.
• Using a pencil carefully draw your design onto the foam until you are happy with it (perhaps use photographs of pattern/repetition or contrast for inspiration of your design). Remember: This is the first layer and you will be adding more to your design with a second layer after the first layer has dried.
• Once you are happy with your design, take a sharp pencil and trace your design so that it presses into the foam deep enough so that when you apply the ink/paint it will not get into the lines.
• Select a coloured piece of paper you would like to print your design onto and a coloured ink/paint you would like to use for the first layer of your design.
• Place some of the ink/paint onto the plate and roll it out using a roller so that it is not too thick.
• Repeat steps 8-11.
• Apply the ink onto your printing foam design using the roller so that the ink covers it without the white foam showing.
• Place your printing foam design face down onto your coloured piece of paper. Place another piece of paper over this and use a clean roller to press it down.
• Take of the top piece of paper and gently pull your design off the piece of coloured paper. Place the printed design and printing foam design on the drying rack.
• Once your printing foam design has dried add more detail to your design using the pencil to press into the foam.
• Select another coloured ink for the second layer of your print and repeat steps 6-7. NOTE: Carefully place the printing foam with your added design on top of your first print ensuring that you get it as accurately on top as possible.

Reflection Questions:

• Did you enjoy this experience? Did you encounter any difficulties?
• What do you think of your print? What do you think of others prints? Why?
• Why did you choose the design that you chose?
• What colours did you combine in your print? Where they good choices?

Assessment:

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• Identify and discuss art ideas.
• Demonstrate artistic skills, techniques and processes.
• Respond to visual arts through reflection and evaluation.
• Anecdotal notes and photographs will be used as evidence of student achievement.

Resources:

• Printing foam
• Pencil
• Coloured piece of paper
• Plate
• Coloured ink/paint
• Newspaper
• Roller
• Drying rack

Definition:

Linoprint: A piece of thick, soft, cork linoleum that has been carved with a design or pattern which is dipped into ink or paint to make a print.

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Feature image source: http://blog.giddygiddy.com/.a/6a010536d81cc6970b014e89d34405970d-pi