Alana Alphabets, again......

Drawings

Week11

We continued printmaking. We discussed using print plates to make stickers and how to display them. We also saw the works of artists Terry Winters and Nancy Spero. I made a mono print using a technique that was new for me. The process began with an inch wide frame that was hinged to the top of a plexi-glass. I then traced my drawing on the plexi-glass without actually touching the surface with my hand. This is very tricky and requires concentration and patience.
Finally, when the print dried, I painted with watercolors. I could see the resistance of oil and water. I thought that this technique could be connected with science and would be a lot of fun for students to learn.

Aileen gave two sheets

1. How to label your prints:
                                            on the left side you write the edition of the print,
                                            write the title of the piece in the middle;
                                            write your initials and the date on the right side.

2. A definition of printmaking terms:
                                                           brayer,
                                                           inking up,
                                                           pulling a print,
                                                           charging a brayer,
                                                           a proof, an edition,
                                                           calligraphy

Aileen emphasized that "students should be able to define the terms of printmaking once they have completed their printmaking lesson. Students need to understand that it is a process such as brayer, inking up, pulling a print, charging a brayer, a proof, an edition, calligraphy….＂I agree with her. As a teacher, we have to make a sure we can all explain those things clearly.

 Near the end of the class Aileen displayed our graphic novels. I was happy to see that my novel, once displayed with the others, was not bad at all.
　

Drawings

Week10

Aileen returned after being absent due to an emergency last week. We prepared and arranged 5 stations using 4 different printmaking techniques and one portfolio section. The set-up was similar to another printmaking class that I had previously taken in Korea. This surprised me.

Later, we made our printmaking plates together as a group. Aileen provided the directions step by step. She called it is a “cooperating demonstration.”I enjoyed the idea of it. Such a project could be used as a classroom management tool or strategy, excellent for keeping everyone together and allowing the teacher the opportunity to observe which students need more help.

Finally, Aileen demonstrated the different processes at each table station and we printed our finished product through 4 stations separately. The techniques were not new for me because I have a background printmaking as was required for earning a BFA. however, the exercise was a lot of fun.

Drawings

Week9

Aileen had an emergency today. I hoped it is not terrible for her and her family. Mary, from Saturday Art School, was our guest teacher for printmaking. She made nice and easy set up for a calligraphy. She asked us if we had a background in printmaking before taking the class. She asked the class to explain what elements makes a monster. While the question was asked in a very casual way, it could used as an introduction and means of motivation for young kids. We each made our own monster and printed it.

Drawing