“Story Illustration”
Cari Freno

Lesson Plan
Mary Palmstrom
Chardon High School
Chardon, Ohio

Theme
Story Illustration

Purpose
• Learn how to develop a composition that tells a story and study some artists who have done this in their work–Kathe Kollwitz and M. C. Escher.

• Develop a story based on specific theme. In may include ideas related to current events, a personal experience, or an invented story of your own.

• Study the block printmaking process further by learning how to produce a wider range of values and textural details.

Materials
• Speedball® 12” x 12” Unmounted Linoleum Blocks
• Speedball Linoleum Cutters or  Cutter Set
• Speedball Brayers
• Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Inks
• Speedball Bench Hooks
• Speedball Baren
• Inking Trays
• Tracing Paper
• Carbon Paper
• Pencils
• Permanent Markers
• Paper for Printmaking (economical) or Etching & Litho Paper Paper

Time Required
Approximately five weeks, i.e., five 45-minute sessions per week

Process
1. Student chooses a subject that is of special interest that involves a variety of values and textures, and tells a story–one that will really hold his/her attention.

2. Design/composition and format are developed. 12” x 12” sheets of linoleum are available; minimum size allowed is 9” x 12”. The design may be a single image contained within a single rectangular format or the image may be split into several sections that are printed side-by-side to create a larger composition. The second option can divide the story into sections or create a more
abstract image.

3. Draw design on tracing paper and transfer it to the linoleum. Go over pencil lines on linoleum with permanent marker.

4. Review safety measures for handling knives.

5. Demonstrate hatching and stippling techniques, which are the easiest rendering methods when carving linoleum. Begin carving process. Remember, carving errors cannot be corrected easily, if at all. All carved areas are white, or negative, space.

6. Make the prints. Apply ink to inking tray. Spread the ink on the tray with the brayer, then use the brayer to create a thin, even layer of ink on the linoleum. Place the coated block face down on the paper in order to center the image and then flip both parts over to apply the pressure with the baren. Checked printed image. If print is good, remove paper and place on drying rack. Repeat process until series of required prints is finished.

Print Requirements
• Two to three good prints in black ink only. All prints will have clear details and outer edges.
• Two to five prints using multiple colors or experimental ideas or processes. Consider  off-set images, collage, or hand-colored  embossments.

Teaching Aids
Art & Man magazines on Kollwitz and Escher, as well as other art prints and references
Block Printing DVD
Printmaking Book

Evaluation
The students will be evaluated in terms of  the initial goals:
• Presentation of Theme/Story in the Overall Image
• Overall Composition
• Technical Quality of Carving and Printing  Final grade is divided into two parts: design/print class review and teacher evaluation.

Printmaking Terms
BLOCK PRINTING: A type of printmaking in which the image is printed from the surface of a linoleum or wood block. Non-printing areas have been carved away.

LINOLEUM CUT: A relief cut made from an image carved into a piece of battleship linoleum. Also known as a lino-cut, linoprint, or block print.

BENCH HOOK: A device used to keep the block from slipping while it is being carved.

GOUGE: Cutting tool for linoleum or wood blocks. Two basic types: V-shaped and Ushaped.

BRAYER: Transfers the printing ink to the linoleum cut.

BAREN: A tool used to apply an even, smooth pressure to the back of the paper, causing a
transfer of ink from the linoleum cut to the paper. A spoon may also be used.

PRINTING INK: Block printing inks are available in two types: water-soluble and oil. Both have the property of good ink transfer from the linoleum cut to the paper.

REGISTRATION: Placement of the paper and block so each succeeding color in a multicolor
print will be positioned correctly.

EMBOSSMENT: A type of printmaking that creates a raised, sculptural image or design in
the surface of the print (paper), done with or without ink and while using dampened
paper. Also known as collograph.

BLIND EMBOSSMENT: Uses no ink and simply creates a sculptural image in the paper. Use a
clean blanket against paper.

EDITION: The total number of prints pulled and signed by the artist.

SIGNATURE LINE: Just below each completed printed image, the following information is
written in pencil: name of the work, print number/total number, and artist’s name.