Linocut

One of the most challenging concepts for teaching printmaking to students is getting them to understand what prints and what does not. In the past I've done some activities with notan design and positive negative space drawings. What I found is they still were unclear on what to carve and what to leave alone.

This year I made a sample plate with 4 examples of the same shape and printed it in front of the students and passed it around. It was very helpful and during the cutting processes multiple students asked to see the sample plate to confirm their choices.

We talked about how their sketch (usually a line drawing) would be the hardest thing to carve because there is so little material that stays raised up.

They seemed to grasp the concept a bit better. Our theme was nature. They could choose a plant or animal and were encouraged to switch ink and paper colors. I had one student finish early and do a variation on a reduction print by recarving more material out and printing a second color.

If you need some help with your printmaking lesson, this includes 10+ minutes of narrated demonstration. Drop your questions in the comments and I'd be happy to help.