Print making

 

Description: In this activity, we learned about Andy Warhol and how he became famous for his vibrant printmaking techniques and use of bold, bright colors. We started by discussing his artistic style and how he used mass production methods in his art. After that, we taught everyone how to use rollers and foam pieces to create their own prints. Each student drew two flowers on paper, then traced their drawings onto foam squares. Using rollers, we spread paint over the foam, creating a smooth, even layer. Next, we pressed the foam onto gallery paper to make multiple prints, each one slightly different. Every student worked in pairs, and each pair was required to stamp their design four times, creating a series of flower prints in true Warhol fashion.

Extension Activity: To extend our exploration of Andy Warhol’s style, students will create their own pop art portraits. They will start by choosing a photo of themselves or a famous figure to recreate in a Warhol-inspired style. Students will learn how to break the image into simple shapes and use bold, contrasting colors to create a vibrant, eye-catching portrait. They will apply the same printmaking techniques they used in the flower activity by tracing their image onto foam, rolling paint over it, and pressing it onto paper to create multiple prints of their portrait. Each print can have different color variations, mimicking Warhol’s signature style of repetition with a twist. After completing the prints, students will reflect on their artwork by writing a short artist’s statement explaining the colors and techniques they chose and how they were inspired by Warhol’s work.