Printmaking

Create prints using simple techniques

Making Prints

Printmaking creates pictures by pressing an inked surface onto paper. Unlike drawing, you can make many copies of the same image. Simple prints can be made using leaves, vegetables (potato prints), string or foam. The image is reversed (mirrored) when printed.

Example

Potato Print Activity

1. Cut a potato in half 2. Carve a simple shape into the flat surface (star, heart, leaf) 3. Press the potato onto an ink pad or paint 4. Press firmly onto paper — lift to see your print! 5. Repeat to make a pattern Remember: the image prints in reverse (mirror image)

Note

Remember

Printmaking is one of the oldest art forms. Types include: relief printing (raised surface gets ink), stamping, stencils and monoprints. SA artist John Muafangejo was famous for his linocut prints showing South African life and history.

Key Vocabulary

PrintAn image made by pressing an inked surface onto paper

Relief printA print made from a raised surface

PatternA design that repeats in a regular way

Mirror imageA reversed version of the original (flipped)

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