Marker Prints on Foam Plate

Gather your Supplies

Some Tips

1. Make sure that students wipe the paper with the sponge just enough to make it damp - not wet.
2. Do not wipe multiple times in the same spot or the paper will start to pill.
3. Make sure that the markers they are using are not dried out.
4. When students lay their foam down to make a print, make sure that they use their finger to gently (but firmly) rub over the entire design. They should use the fingerprint part of their finger, not the tip or nail. It takes me about 10 seconds to fully press down and rub the back of my foam.
5. Don't write words. They'll print backward.

THE BEST part of the project is that you can create as many prints in as many colors as you would like to just make sure to wash off your foam in between colorings.

Cut out your printing plates from the foam plates. If you need help with this step make sure to ask.

Draw out your design with your washable markers on your styrofoam plate

Draw over all of your lines with a pencil, pressing into the styrofoam

This is what it should look like after your first tracing

Using a ballpoint pen go over the design a second time to get a nice, deep impression. When you're done wipe the plate clean of marker with a damp paper towel.

Now, color in your design with your washable markers. Notice how I used different values of the same color to create shadows and highlights on my tulip.

Grab a damp sponge or wet paper towel and gently wet your paper surface (a damp washcloth may work as well)

Now with your paper dampened (not too wet) you're ready to print your image

Use your fingertips or the side of your hand to press the foam plate FIRMLY into your paper. Be careful to make sure that the plate does not slip or slide around so you get a nice crisp image.

Peel up your printing plate to reveal your gorgeous print

You can iron your print to flatten out the wrinkles and you can frame it to give it a special touch

Here is the print I drew for my round plate

Does this remind you of an artwork that we've learned from past lessons?

(Hokusai's Great Wave of Kanagawa)

I actually saw one of the original wood block prints of the Great Wave while at Balboa Park in 

San Diego last Christmas

These are some photos that I took. It was so wonderful to see in real life!

FOLLOW ALL THE PREVIOUS STEPS TO PRINT

Have fun creating and please post your creations to Instagram and tag me at 

new_mexico_art_teacher

or email me a picture of your prints.

You can also visit my youtube channel to see a short one minute video discussing the materials used.

Marker Print on Youtube