GRAPHIC DESIGN concerns designs that communicate specific information to the viewer. They are bold, typically simple in design (so as to be easy to “read”), and they exaggerate an idea. PRINTMAKING is a form of graphic design. Printmaking at its most basic level is quite simply the transferring of an image from one surface to another. Although there are many specific ways of doing this, these many ways tend to fall into one of four general categories of printmaking: RELIEF PRINTING,
INTAGLIO PRINTING, PHOTOMECHANICAL PRINTING, AND STENCIL PRINTING.
RELIEF PRINTMAKING ASSIGNMENT
Design an composition for a monochromatic relief print. The shapes in your design should be dynamic (ie. Curvy, fluid and organic), not static (straight, rigid, geometric) Select one of the following themes and create a design which graphically communicates the main idea or “spirit of the moment.”
* SPRING SEASON and GROWTH (flower motif)
* LIFE ON THE FARM (fields and farmhouses)
* DANCE – use expressive lines and human forms to capture movement and rhythm*
* NURSERY RHYME ILLUSTRATION – illustrate a page out of a children’s story
* CANADIAN LANDSCAPE – mountains and trees inspired by Group of Seven
* HOLIDAY SEASON – overlap and integrate a series of symbols of the holiday season to create a decorative abstract print that says “festive” eg. Snow flakes, stars..
* WINTER GAMES – create an abstract print or a anecdotal design which captures the main idea of a winter sport or game (eg. Tobogganing, laughter, speed, friendship, excitement)
*CANDIAN WILDLIFE – in the manner of a native print, tell a story (real or imaginary) involving you and animals/ imaginary creatures
* SPORTS & ENERGY, NIGHTMARE, AT THE BEACH, WAR, FAMILY PETS
FUNKY FISH, DECORATIVE DRAGONS
MATERIALS: ink, rubber brayers, trays, linoleum cutters, linoleum, paper
PROCESS:
1) BRAINSTORMING AND DESIGN PREPARATION: Design your ideas with pencil on paper. The final print will be approximately 10cm x 15cm. Use fluid lines, a variety of line thickness and textures. Overlap images in positive and negative space.
2) Transfer your design to the block and begin cutting. Cut carefully and slowly.
SAFETY FIRST!!

*The basic idea is that you cut away those areas you wish to remain the colour of the paper you are printing on. The images can be as simple or as detailed as you wish.
*Draw your ideas out on paper first, then transfer the image onto the linoleum using tracing paper
3) Carefully ink and apply pressure with spoon or printing press. REQUIRED: an edition of three prints and one series of prints on craft paper (showing repetition)
4) Be sure to sign and number your prints and submit for marking.
R
Expectatio ns not met
1
Poor/
Limited
2
Fair/
Some
3 4
Good Excellent
LEVEL
Knowledge and Understanding
Artist study is completed
(Kenojuak or Escher) *all questions answered
Student completes the printmaking chart (4 different types)
Communication
- Student uses the elements and principles of art in a way that expresses his or her intentions in the work of art
(focus on Rhythm and Repetition)
Thinking/ Inquiry
-Inventive, original ideas shows careful planning and thought (through following process and including brainstorming activity testing layouts and focusing on use of positive and negative space
-Innovative, unique artwork shows the ability to think beyond typical or usual representations of the chosen subject matter
Application/ Creation
-Artwork is creative and sophisticated
-Originality, uniqueness
-Neatness, complexity

Write the 4 major types in the columns below and explain each. Draw a diagram of each in the box below as well.
3)
Explanation:
4)
Explanation:
1)
Explanation:
2)
Explanation:
What is Positive Space?
What is Negative Space?

Why should you know the difference for printmaking?
RUBRIC: PRINTMAKING – Rhythm/ Repetition
LEVEL
Knowledge and Understanding
-Artist study is completed (Kenojuak or
Escher) *all questions answered
-Student completes the printmaking chart (4 different types)
Communication
- Student uses the elements and principles of art in a way that expresses his or her intentions in the work of art (focus on
Rhythm and Repetition)
Thinking/ Inquiry
-Inventive, original ideas shows careful planning and thought (through following process and including brainstorming activity testing layouts and focusing on use of positive and negative space
-Innovative, unique artwork shows the ability to think beyond typical or usual representations of the chosen subject matter
Application/ Creation
-Artwork is creative and sophisticated
-Originality, uniqueness
-Neatness, complexity
R
Expectatio ns not met
LEVEL
RUBRIC: PRINTMAKING – Rhythm/ Repetition
Knowledge and Understanding
-Artist study is completed (Kenojuak or Escher)
*all questions answered
-Student completes the printmaking chart (4 different types)
R
Expectation s not met
Communication
- Student uses the elements and principles of art in a way that expresses his or her intentions in the work of art (focus on Rhythm and Repetition)
Thinking/ Inquiry
-Inventive, original ideas shows careful planning and thought (through following process and including brainstorming activity testing layouts and focusing on use of positive and negative space
1
Poor/
Limited
1
Poor/
Limited
2
Fair/
Some
2
Fair/
Some
3 4
Good Excellent
3 4
Good Excellent

-Innovative, unique artwork shows the ability to think beyond typical or usual representations of the chosen subject matter
Application/ Creation
-Artwork is creative and sophisticated
-Originality, uniqueness
-Neatness, complexity