by Jenny Mead

Introduction:
A print is an image that has been transferred from one surface to another. The earliest form of printing involved pressing natural objects into wet clay so they left an impression of the original image. Today we will print with found gadgets and objects. Our art will be abstract, composed of patterns, shapes, colors, and lines.

Materials:

Directions:

1. In each butcher plate put a thin layer of color. Keep your colors separate to avoid muddy color. If students wish to mix their own colors they can use a plastic lid as a palette.


2. Pick out some of the gadgets you find interesting. Apply paint to any of the surfaces either by simply dipping them in paint or by applying color with a brush. Now transfer the color onto the black paper by rolling, smudging, smearing, and pressing with the gadgets.


3. Experiment printing with every and any surface to create interesting textures and patterns. Mix colors on a palette or try layering them on your paper for interesting effects. Let your students test the print effects of each gadget on a larger black piece of paper which can serve as a group mural/print.

Art Terms:
Abstract – any art which discards realistic representation or subordinates it in favor of shapes, patterns, colors, and lines.
Pattern – a decorative design using repeated figures or motifs.
Texture – the tactile quality of a surface.

Resources:
The Harper Collins Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques. Steven Sheehan, ed. Harper Collins Publishers, NY 1991.

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