In addition to traditional oil or acrylic on canvas, I also employ a technique that mixes paint with sand, or layers paint over a substrate of joint compound on wood. I have also utilized non-traditional materials such as cardboard, found wood or doors for painting substrates and used enamels and house paint in addition to oils and acrylics.
MATERIALS PROVIDED:
Linoleum block (1 per person): this is where you will do most of your work! By carving into the surface, you will be creating raised lines to capture the ink that reproduces the original drawing of your choice.
Gouge/Carving tools: After you learn how to transfer the image to the block, you will need these to set the image. A variety of tools can be essential in making sure your image comes out the way you want it to. We will be using a
Transfer paper: Using graphite paper is one way to transfer your image to the block. You can also use a copy machine and rub graphite on the back of the copy to transfer your drawing. Another option is to sacrifice your original drawing by rubbing graphite on the back, then redrawing over the image to make the transfer.
Paper for proofing: Artists newsprint is fine for pulling a print to see where you are in various stages of carving your block to get your image just right.
Barren: A round, smooth hand tool that is used to press the paper against the inked surface of the block to transfer the ink to the paper while printing.
Paper for Edition: Rice paper will be provided
Brayers: These are used to transfer the ink to the block for each print.
Spatulas: to blend and spread ink on the the surface where the ink will be rolled out evenly before it is applied to the block
Rollers: used to transfer the ink evenly to the block surface after it is carved. These are also used to press the image onto the paper when the block is inked.
Ink: Oil based ink works for the majority of projects but we will use speedball ink which is made specifically for block printing and is safe and water soluble.
Cleaning Supplies: Block printing can be really messy. *You will need something to keep you clean. (Apron, old clothes) but we will provide the rest!
Work Surface: A glass plate will be provided as a surface to put the ink on. Glass is the best to use because of its smooth surface and is reusable and easy to clean.
Bench Hook: This is a wooden plate (or metal) that has a piece on each end that holds the block in place on the table as you are cutting into it.
Barrier Cream or latex gloves: To protect your hands from ink and just so that they are easier to clean.
MATERIALS TO BRING:
Bring extra paper or a sketch book or sketch pad, pencil, felt tip markers etc. with you for planning out your ideas if you like. We will provide paper and pencils for this purpose as well.
Printmaking/block carving tools if you have them (optional)
Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting messy or bring an apron
Drawings, if you are inspired! Remember that they need to fit within a 5” x 8” space
ARTISTS/GROUPS TO EXPLORE FOR INSPIRATION, AND MORE….
Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938)
Erich Heckel (1883-1970)
Karl Schmidt-Rotluff (1884-1976)
Max Beckmann
Otto Muller (1874-1930)
Max Pechstein
Kathe Kollwitz
Die Brücke (“The Bridge”)
Die Blaue Reiter (Blue Rider)
Neue Sachlichkeit (“New Objectivity”)
Australian Artist Barbara Hanrahan (1939-1991)
Leonard Baskin (1922 –2000)