Blueprint vs. Monoprint
We can represent the buildings in the world around us through printing magic!
Big Idea
Printmaking provides opportunities for expressing ideas and math skill development through hands-on play, shapes, and experimentation.
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Materials
- Flat cardboard/ cookie sheet
- Large piece of paper
- Water based paint
- Paper plate to hold paint
- Paint brush
- Pencil with eraser (optional)
- Blueprint examples (optional)
- Mono print examples (optional)
- Wet paper towels for clean up
Setup
Have the children write their names on the back of the paper before they begin painting and the paper becomes oversaturated. At a table lined with newspaper, set out a piece of flat cardboard or a cookie sheet in front of every child.
Directions
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1) To begin monoprinting dip the paint brush in the paint and begin to paint on the flat cardboard or cookie sheet. Work quickly and do not let the paint dry. A variation of the monoprinting process is to draw a simple design or geometric shape using the eraser side of the pencil. This scratches some of the paint away and will make a line with the absent of paint.
- What shapes do you see in the buildings around you?
- How can we represent the room you are in for someone else to build it?
- How can you show measurement in your art?
- How could you share multiple copies of your art?
- What happens when the colors mix? Think of a unique name for new color.
- What happens when you try to make a second print? Is it the same as the first?
- Explain the process of mono print making. How is it different than the process of blueprints?
2) Place the paper over the flat cardboard or cookie sheet and press down. Rub the paper lightly with the palm of your hand. Careful not to move the painted flat cardboard or cookie sheet.
3) Carefully peel the paper away from the flat cardboard or cookie sheet.
4) Now your idea has transferred from the cookie sheet to the paper to keep. You have made a monoprint or one print because mono means one.
5) A blueprint is a print used in coping mechanical drawings and architects’ plans to share with construction crews. Originally, it was made using a photographic process with carbon paper that turned the image blue and copied everything exactly. Hence, the name blueprint was formed.
Investigation Questions:
Learning Standards
9.A. Recognize, name, and match common shapes.
Children will begin to notice geometric shapes two-dimensional and describe some of their attributes that they see in their mono print.
11.A. Develop beginning skills in the use of science and engineering practices, such as observing, asking questions, solving problems, and drawing conclusions.
Children will observe the process, solve their own unique problems and inquire about the painting transfer process of a mono print.
25.A. Investigate, begin to appreciate, and participate in the arts
Children will learn the process and participate with printmaking.