Texture Printing

Recently, PK and Kindergarten artists have been exploring texture, or how something feels to touch. We began with texture rubbing using crayon. To make the texture rubbings, we placed an object underneath the paper and used the side of an unpeeled crayon to rub on top of the paper and capture the object's texture. Students were given a variety of different objects at their table and experimented with texture rubbing. Students thought about where to place their objects underneath their paper so that they could fill up their whole paper, as well as layer some rubbings on top of each other.

The following class, we explored texture printing. We have already printed with cardboard earlier this school year, in our printed cityscapes. This time, students tried printing with a variety of different everyday objects and materials, as well as different colors of paint!

First, we reviewed how we make a print with an object: dip it in the paint, press it down on the paper, and lift up to reveal the print. We talked about how to leave some space on the paper, so that there would be enough room to visit all 6 different color stations. Then students started printing at their assigned table, with one color of paint. 

Every few minutes, students moved to another table with their group to print with different materials and colors. Objects included sponges, bubble wrap, cardboard paper rolls, plastic mesh, and various plastic caps and lids. Prints were layered on top of each other as students moved around the room. Students were encouraged to explore and experiment with their prints and use the entire paper.

PK and Kindergarten students did a great job with this messy process, making sure to put their objects back in the center of the table for others to share and walking carefully to the next station with their artwork when it was time to switch. It was messy, but also a lot of fun! Here are some examples of our texture printing exploration:

Amelia, PK (Mattson)

Rand, PK (Mattson)

James, Kindergarten (Martignetti)

Arthur, Kindergarten (Tan)

Bianca, Kindergarten (Tan)

Carson, Kindergarten (Bolton)

Calvin, Kindergarten (Martignetti)