Dragons

PRINTING WITH STYROFOAM PLATES

Student Prints

Sketch idea on rough draft paper 9 x 12

Stress originality even though they must look at "drawings" of dragons because imaginary creatures do not exist to be photographed in reality.

Cut 4 equal squares from 4 plates using as much of the flat area as possible.

Place 4 squares over drawing and decide how to best cover the surface so the image is preserved.

Transfer image by tracing over pencil drawing with ball point pen indenting into the foam surface at the same time.

 

Each block was cut from one round plate on the flat part using a square template.

Preparing the Plate:

Using a ballpoint pen, indent the outline of the dragon and features. Add texture. Use a variety of lines and fill in some areas by pressing down and "coloring" in the shape or space.

Printing Process:

  1. Number or label position of plate on back before printing.
  2. Place paper over arranged plates and mark the corners in pencil. This will assure alinement when printing.
  3. Spread out ink on glass or plastic surface with brayer. Roll ink evenly over plate.
  4. Place all 4 inked plates on paper. Turn paper over carefully, the inked surface of the plates will stick to the paper. Rub gently but evenly over the back of the paper to transfer ink. Pull paper back and reveal dragon.
  5. Do not throw any mistakes away. They can be cut up and mounted on colored paper. Allow 24 hours to dry

Suggestion: Do not wash off plates after each printing but allow the layers of colors to build up for interesting effects.

If inks and brayers are not available, tempera paint can be substituted by applying with a stiff brush. Do not allow the paint to flow into the indentations.

Variations: Cut a round or oval plate, trim off the rim and use the whole surface for one image.

This can be a challenge because the image must now conform to the shape of the circle or oval.