Printing workshops

Mono-printing workshop.
On Thursday 11th of November, we were taught how to make mono prints. We were told all the different variables that would alter the success of the prints. For example: the type of paper, how moist a surface is and the quantity of printing ink that is used. When I made my prints, I used cartridge paper due to its roughness, I used both dry and damp paper to see which is best and I experimented with different amounts of ink to see what is best.
Equipment:

• Two rollers (one kept clean)
• A printing plate
• Cartridge paper
• Printing ink

There are two types of printing:
Additive - this is when you place the ink onto the printing plate by making marks and then placing the paper onto the plate. A clean roller would then be used to put pressure on the paper that is on the ink.
Subtractive - this is when you cover your printing plate with ink and then use something to take it away so that marks are evident. Then you would use a clean roller to press your paper down onto the printing plate.

Collage of experiments with dry paper:


Collage of experiments with damp paper:


Final print (dry paper)


Polystyrene printing workshop.
We then learnt about how to make prints with polystyrene.
Equipment:

• Printing ink
• 2 rollers (one kept clean)
• Printing plate
• Polystyrene sheet
• Pen/pencil/knife
• cartridge paper

Method:

• Scratch your design into your piece of polystyrene
• Roll out your ink onto the plate and then transfer it to the polystyrene
• Place the inked side of the polystyrene onto the paper and use the clean roller to press the polystyrene down
• finally, lift to reveal your print

Evaluation:

I am happy with the result of these prints as each mark is clear and stands out from the page. I have managed to capture shape and scale accurately. On the other hand, I think that I could try to improve the realism of each drawing by adding more marks to the polystyrene.

One reason why I like the feathers is because I think that I have managed to show texture with accuracy however an improvement could be adding more marks to show more contrast. One reason why I like the second bird is because I think that I have shown a high contrast in mark making however, I think that I could make the prints better by trying to add some more details to the feathers on the bird.

Even though these prints show a good use of mark making, I don't think it links enough to my chosen artist ROA. It does not allow me to get high contrast in tone, whereas in his work, there is a lot of this.