📖

Subtractive Monoprints

Printmaking: Monoprints and Stamps

Day 77of 180
Week 16of 36
40Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand subtractive printmaking technique

2

Create a unique monoprint by removing ink strategically

3

Develop patience and creativity in artistic expression

📖 Scripture Connection

Genesis 1:27

“God created man in his own image, in God's image he created him; male and female he created them.”

— Genesis 1:27 (WEB)

Just as God carefully creates with intention, we reflect His creativity through thoughtful artistic expression

📦 Materials Needed

  • Plexiglass or smooth surface
  • Printing ink (water-based)
  • Brayer
  • White paper
  • Variety of tools for removing ink (cotton swabs, paintbrushes, paper towels)
  • Newspaper or plastic tablecloth for workspace protection
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse art adventure! Yesterday we explored basic monoprints, and today we'll learn a special technique called subtractive printmaking.

💭 Review Question: What did you enjoy most about making monoprints yesterday?
2Teaching (10 min)

In subtractive printmaking, we'll roll ink onto our surface and then remove parts of the ink to create our image - almost like drawing with removal instead of adding!

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Roll ink evenly across surface with brayer
  • Use tools to remove ink and create designs
  • Press paper onto inked surface to create print
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What tools might make interesting marks?
  • How might we create a landscape using this technique?
3Activity: Subtractive Landscape Exploration (20 min)
hands-on

Create a landscape or abstract design using ink removal techniques

📝 Instructions:
  1. Cover work surface with protective material
  2. Roll ink evenly onto plexiglass
  3. Use cotton swabs, brushes, or paper towels to remove ink
  4. Create landscape or abstract design
  5. Carefully place paper on inked surface
  6. Gently press and lift to reveal print
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Create basic shapes and patterns

Challenge: Add multiple layers of color or complex scenes

4Closing (5 min)

Share and discuss prints, celebrating each unique creation

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was most challenging about this technique?
  • How does removing ink create an image?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll start designing stamps and explore positive and negative space!

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Subtractive printmaking requires patience and gentle touch

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Demonstrate techniques slowly
  • Encourage experimentation
  • Praise effort over perfection
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might press too hard or get frustrated with imperfect prints

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Careful ink application, creative use of removal tools

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a series of prints exploring different removal techniques
  • Use BibleMouse Printables Library for additional inspiration
  • Discuss how God's creativity inspires our own artistic expression

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 78 →Back to Art