Download Woodblock Printmaking in the Style of the Renaissance Masters

Woodblock Printmaking in the Style
of the Renaissance Masters
Objective: Create one 8” x 6” black and white woodcut print based on a Renaissance style
and theme.You are developing your own drawing...not copying another work of art!
Themes:
1. Northern Renaissance (France, Spain, Germany, Flanders, and the Netherlands) or Italian
Renaissance architecture.
2. Religious Renaissance art (Christian ).
3. Portraiture (Mona Lisa, La Bella Principessa, etc.)
Style:
1.Very busy with very little negative space
2. Renaissance styled clothing.
3. Body and facial proportions are slightly “off.”
4. Perspective and space-in-depth is slightly “off.”
What is the Renaissance??
A period of “rebirth” that focuses on the classical ideals of Greek and
Roman culture. Includes art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.
Italian Renaissance: Began in Florence, Italy circa the 14th century and ended during the
16th century.
Northern Renaissance: The “Northern” Renaissance is a term for all Renaissance
activities that happened in Europe, but outside of Italy. Flanders (Belgium) was the main
center for the Northern Renaissance this lasted from the 14th century to the 17th century.
Albrecht Dürer
1471 - 1528
• German printmaker, painter, engraver, and
mathematician.
• Considered one of the greatest artists from the
Northern Renaissance and one of the best
printmakers in history.
Albrecht Dürer. The Coat of Arms from the House of Dürer (1523).
Woodcut print.
Albrecht Dürer. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1497 - 1498).
Woodcut print.
Albrecht Dürer. The Whore of Babylon (1498). Woodcut print.
Albrecht Dürer. The Last Supper (c. 1497). Woodcut print.
Albrecht Dürer. The Beast with the Lamb's Horns and the Beast with Seven
Heads (1498). Woodcut print.
Jost Amman. Block-cutter at Work. (1568). Woodcut print.
Battista Fregoso. Anteros, sive Tractatus contra amorem. (1496). Woodcut print.
If you decide to include text in your print, it must be in Latin,
German, or Italian.
Make sure your design matches the correct language. e.g. if
you create a portrait of someone in Italian Renaissance
clothing, there should be Italian (or Latin) text.
All religious themed work will have Latin text if it is based on
Italian Renaissance styling. German styled Renaissance work
will use Germanic text.
Ricoldo da Montecroce. Improbatio Alcorani. (1500). Woodcut print.
Woodblock Printmaking Steps
Phase 1: Preparing your woodblock
Step 1: In pencil draw your design on the 8” x 6” piece of tracing paper. Draw your outlines and all marks that you
want “black” on your print.
Step 2: Outline your drawing in black pen.
Step 3: Apply a shade of graphite on top of your pen drawing.
Step 4: Place your graphite coated drawing face down on your woodblock, then re-trace your drawing.
Step 5: Your design is now backward on your woodblock. Outline your drawing on the woodblock in black Sharpie.
Completed woodblock drawings (inked) are due December 18.
I will not accept late work!
We will carve and print after winter break.
Woodblock Printmaking Steps
Phase 1I: Carving your woodblock
Step 1: Using the carving tools, carve away all areas that you want to print white. All drawn lines in Sharpie should be
left uncarved as these areas will print black.
Step 2: When your carved woodblock is complete, coat your woodblock in Shellac and let it dry.
Phase III: Printing
Step 1: Scoop a small amount of black ink onto the mounted clear glass.
Step 2: Use the brayer to roll out the ink into a smooth, even consistency.
Step 3: Use the brayer to roll ink onto your woodblock. Apply 2-3 coats of ink.
Step 4: Place the “Layer 1” chipboard onto the printing press.
Step 5: Place a piece of newsprint down for your “test print” then place your inked woodblock facedown on the
newsprint.
Step 6: Place the “Layer 2” chipboard on top of your woodblock.
Step 7: Roll your woodblock through the printing press at a consistent speed until the entire block has passed
through the printing press.
Step 8: Remove the chipboard and carefully lift off the woodblock and review your print.
Step 9: If you are happy with your print you may proceed to print your final work on printing paper.You will only
turn in one print for a grade, but I encourage you to make as many prints as you want. These will definitely sell at the
Art Show in May!
Completed prints are due January 24.