Monoprints and Stamped Designs

Post contributed by Jocelyne Adkins, Program Director/Educator

Last Friday, we ended the week creating prints and stamped designs. Monoprints or monotypes are one of-a-kind prints that are made by painting on a surface with oil paint (or in this case finger paint). A sheet of paper is laid on top of the painted surface, pressed by hand or machine and voila, a print is made!

Because we painted with our fingers, the experience was very tactile. Some students allowed the sensory experience to guide them, other relied upon the design process, carefully determining the placement of each line and shape beforehand. Either way, the experience was meaningful and produced some great results.

Anika, painting on the plastic surface

Andrew's  print

Emory's painting, before printing

Emory's print

Cassandra, painting on the plastic surface

Cassandra's print

Donald painting on the plastic surface

Donald's print

Laila's print

Kasper and Leila, stamping designs

Joseph painting on the plastic surface

Maurice's print

Laila's stamped design: note how the letter "M" creates a harlequin pattern! Way to go Laila!

Emory washing off his printing surface

Leila, stamping her name

Anika's design, before printing

Patrick painting and Laila's completed print

Anika, drying off the printing surface after washing it

Patrick, pressing the paper to create the print

It was my hope that there would be some cross-over between the printing and stamping: Those who printed first could then embellish their work with stamps and maybe even draw or collage into the work to produce more of a mixed media product. And the same for those who stamped first: they could use their stamped design to pull a print from their painted image. However, the students preferred to keep the activities separate and we respected their wishes (I equate this with age appropriate behavior for our young students, similar to children who like to keep their veggies separate from their starches and their protein).

Most important to us is that the children have fun while learning and that they feel good about what they create. I included a photo below of what Andrew created during free time, as this exemplifies my point. Andrew came to me, beaming with his creation in hand. I asked him if could take a picture, telling him his design was fantastic (I love the symmetry and color) and hopefully communicating that what he and the other children make independently in their free time is equally valuable to their learning : ) Nice work Andrew!

Free time play for Andrew and a very cool character he brought to life : )