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Suggested Grade Level: 7-12
Estimated Time: Two to three class periods
Introduction:
Using Elizabeth’s Catlett’s Sharecropper for inspiration,
students will create relief-print portraits.
Lesson Objectives:
- Learn how to make a relief print
- Use a range of marks to suggest texture in a work of art
Key Terms:
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Instructional Materials:
- Pencils
- Drawing paper
- Mounted or unmounted linoleum or Speedball Speedy Cut®
(available at most art-supply stores)
- Cutting tools
- Bench hook (available at most art-supply stores)
- Printmaking paper
- Water-based printing inks
- Brayers
- Glass or Plexiglas inking surface
- Wooden spoons
- Drying rack or clothesline and clothespins
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Procedures:
Discussion:
- Provide students with a printout of the Sharecropper
and discuss the image with them, asking:
- How old does this woman appear to be? How can
you tell?
- What might her clothing tell us about her?
- Where are we standing?
- What might she be feeling? How can you tell?
- Discuss the concept of texture, asking:
- What sorts of textures are visible in the painting?
- How did the artist suggest these textures?
Activity:
- Have students draw a portrait of someone they
admire using pencils and drawing paper. Encourage them to begin by
making a bold, linear design and then filling the paper with various
marks (dots, dashes, and lines) to lend texture to the portrait.
- Tell students to cover the back of the drawing
with pencil until it is completely black, then instruct them to place
the drawing face up on the linoleum plate and trace it firmly with
pencil.
- Have students use the tools provided to cut their
designs into the linoleum plate.
- Show students how to place a few tablespoons
of ink on the glass and use a brayer to spread the ink evenly over
the surface. When the brayer is inked, have students roll it over
the plate until it is evenly covered.
- Ask students to lay a sheet of paper on the plate
and apply pressure by rubbing a spoon over the paper. Before removing
the paper completely, students can lift a corner, replace it, and
rub again until the desired impression is achieved.
- Have students repeat the process for five to
ten additional sheets, applying more ink to the plate for each print.
Dry the prints on a drying rack or clothesline.
- Encourage students to add broad areas of watercolor
to their portraits.
- Show students how to sign, date, and number each
of their prints in the lower right corner.
Evaluation:
Base evaluation on students’ creative work.
Follow-Up:
- Hang the prints in an exhibition and encourage
students to exchange impressions.
Illinois
Learning Standards
Fine Arts: 25, 26
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