Printing Demo
the Three Graces & Landscapes
‘Three Graces’ is my version of a
classic pose. Three curvy women
stand together huddled as if they are
telling great secrets. Many famous
artists have painted or sculpted this
pose. My favorite is Rodin’s version
which stands invitingly atop “The
Gates of Hell.”
‘Three Graces’ is a wood-cut. The
image is 7” x 8.25” on Rice Paper.
Five were made in blue and black.
Four were made in orange and
black. There are 10 in black only.
The color (blue or orange) was
printed in water based ink and the
black printed on top in oil based ink.

First State in Blue
(top left)

Second State in Black
(bottom left)

The Finished Print
(right)         

Another color version
of the Finished Print
(below)
The image is cut. Portions that will not
print are cut away. The wood that remains
raised will print.
Fine Details can be cut into the design.
Then the drawing is inked.
The Wood Block Print in process...
First the drawing is transferred to the
block.
Use your Brayer to roll ink out on to the
Plexiglas. Keep rolling until ink is even.
Then,  evenly ink up the matrix.
Relief Printing Demo
Basic Tools you will
need:

Wood or Linoleum
Cutting tools
Ink (Water or Oil based)
Brayer
Plexiglas or Glass
Paper
Press or Baren (or
wooden spoon)
Adjust the pressure on the press. On my
press I use a pile of card stock to make
sure that I have the right amount of
pressure.
Turn the crank to roll the press bed.
Don't have a press? You can use a Baren or a wooden spoon. After you ink the
matrix, lay your sheet of printing paper on top. Use a wooden spoon (the kind
found in most kitchens) to put pressure on the printing paper. Make sure you
have gone over the whole surface evenly. Check the corners carefully before
pulling your print up all the way.
Lay you clean sheet of paper on top of the
inked up matrix.
If your using a press,  place the inked
Matirx onto the press bed. Be careful not to
get ink all over.
Not using a press, see note a end of page.
Lift the corner of the print to make sure
you have used enough pressure. If the
print is dark enough, pull the print up.

Check the print to see if it is good or if you need to make changes - like using
more or less ink or pressure. Put the print on the drying rack and ink up your
matrix for your next print...
In a Relief print the surface of the block or
Matirx is inked up and printed. The parts that
are cut away do not print.

Both Wood Blocks and Linoleum are forms of
Relief printing. Prints can also be made with
other materials. You can use nearly anything  
to create your matrix. See below for more...
Don't have wood or linoleum? (Or you don't want to use sharp cutting tools
with kids?) If you are teaching to kids or you just want to experiment, you can
use just about anything to print.

Cut a potato in half and carve a design into it. You can use a paint brush to put
any water based ink on your potato and then use it like a stamp and press it
onto a piece of paper. Try repeating the print in different order or colors to
make a pattern.

Use Card stock and white glue to make a matrix. Get two pieces of card stock
[heavy weight paper] that are the same size. Draw the image you want to print
on a one of the pieces. Cut it out with regular scissors and glue the pieces
down to the other piece of card stock. Use a lot of glue so that the paper will not
come up. Allow plenty of time to dry. Printing is simple. When you are ready to
print follow the steps above,  the only difference is with this type of matrix is
that you do not need much pressure. You do not need a press. The palm of your
hand can provide enough pressure to make a good print. You easily can print
an edition of 10 - 15 if your matrix is made carefully. I have my middle school
students do editions of three.

Try using foam or other materials to crate your matrix. Also try using two or
more matrices and printing in different colors - one right on top of each other.
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Kathe
Welch