IA series of prints are very effective with this process. It is an extension of the printmaking process with unlimited texture and color. A printmaking press is required to apply pressure to the plate and make the paper stretch to emboss. The results are fascinating in all sizes. Each print is different but related to others by repeating the embossed area. The process of embossing a mono print is an extremely beautiful fine art.

Grade Levels

K–12

Procedure

1. Draw or paint a design on a piece of drawing paper the size of the Styrene sheet.

    

2. Clean Styrene with a damp cloth. Rinse and dry well. Place the drawing or painting under the Styrene. With a brush apply glue or gel in the desired texture areas. Keep the texture under ½" in height. If texture is too high it may tear the damp paper. The texture of the gel or adhesive is a good contrast to the paint when printed. Let dry until hard.

    

3. Place the printmaking paper in a shallow tub of water to soak. Paper should be damp through on both sides.

    

4. Paint design onto Styrene. Paint does not have to be completely dry to print, but there should not be any puddles of paint.

    

5. Prepare the press bed by taping a sheet of drawing paper onto the bed. Also use a piece between the top blanket and the damp printmaking paper. This absorbs any excess moisture in the paper when printed.

    

6. Place painted Styrene sheet on the bed, painted side up. Remove printmaking paper from tub. Use hands to wipe off excess water as paper is dripping. Gently position damp paper on top of plate. Lower the blanket.

    

7. Turn the press to apply pressure and move bed through the press. Gently lift blankets and remove the print.
8. Plate can be washed or more paint added for another print.

    

Variations

• Create a series of prints keeping embossed areas and changing color selection.
• Print without paint and have prints that are embossed only. Vary the color of paper!

   

   

National Standards

Content Standard #1 — Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes

K-4

• Students describe how different materials, techniques and processes cause different responses.

5-8

• Students select media, techniques and processes; analyze what makes them effective or not effective in communicating ideas; and reflect upon the effectiveness of their choices.

9-12

• Students conceive and create works of visual art that demonstrate an understanding of how the communication of their ideas relates to the media, techniques and processes they use.

Content Standard #2 — Using knowledge of structures and functions.

K-4

• Students know the differences among visual characteristics and purposes of art in order to convey ideas.

5-8

• Students employ organizational structures and analyze what makes them effective or not effective in the communication of ideas.

9-12

• Students create artworks that use organizational principles and functions to solve specific visual arts problems.

Ready to print Styrene sheet with dry gel medium, painted with monotype colors.
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Close-up
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Final Print
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