# Grade 8 Art Lesson Plan: Printmaking and Mixed Media
## Lesson Title: Exploring Printmaking and Mixed Media
### Grade Level: 8
### Duration: 3 Classes (50 minutes each)
### Objectives:
1. Introduce students to the basic techniques and principles of printmaking.
2. Encourage creativity through the combination of printmaking and mixed media.
3. Develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and artistry.
4. Enhance understanding of historical and contemporary uses of printmaking.
### Materials Needed:
- Brayers (rollers)
- Printing inks (various colors)
- Plexiglass or linoleum blocks for printmaking
- Carving tools (assorted sizes)
- Paper (various textures and weights)
- Mixed media supplies (acrylic paints, markers, pastels, collage materials, etc.)
- Palette knives
- Disposable gloves
- Pencils and erasers
- Sketchbooks
- Aprons or old shirts
- Water containers and paper towels
- Newspapers or butcher paper for covering tables
### Class 1: Introduction to Printmaking
**1. Warm-up Activity (10 minutes)**
- Brief discussion on what students already know about printmaking.
- Show examples of printmaking in art history and contemporary works.
**2. Demonstration (20 minutes)**
- Explain the different types of printmaking (e.g., relief, intaglio, lithography, screen printing).
- Demonstrate the relief printmaking process using linoleum blocks:
1. Sketching the design
2. Transferring design to block
3. Carving the block
4. Inking and printing
**3. Sketching (20 minutes)**
- Have students brainstorm and create sketches in their sketchbooks for their print design.
### Class 2: Creating the Print
**1. Review and Safety (10 minutes)**
- Review the process and safety precautions, especially when using carving tools.
**2. Carving the Block (30 minutes)**
- Students transfer their sketches to the linoleum blocks and begin carving.
- Teacher circulates to provide individual assistance and ensure safety.
**3. Cleanup (10 minutes)**
- Properly store works and clean tools and workstations.
### Class 3: Printing and Mixed Media
**1. Preparing to Print (10 minutes)**
- Review the process of inking and printing.
- Discuss the balance, composition, and layering in mixed media artwork.
**2. Printing Process (20 minutes)**
- Students create prints using their carved blocks, experimenting with ink colors and paper types.
- Encourage students to print multiple copies for different mixed media applications.
**3. Mixed Media Creation (20 minutes)**
- Once prints are dry, students use mixed media techniques to enhance their prints.
- Options include painting, drawing, collage, and using various textures.
**4. Cleanup and Reflection (10 minutes)**
- Ensure all tools and materials are cleaned and stored properly.
- Have a brief class discussion where students share their experiences and challenges faced during the project.
### Assessment:
- **Formative Assessment**: Ongoing observations and check-ins during each class to monitor student progress and understanding.
- **Summative Assessment**: Evaluation of completed prints and mixed media artworks based on creativity, effort, technical skill, and adherence to the principles of printmaking.
### Additional Notes:
- Encourage students to think about how different textures and materials can alter the perception of their print.
- Consider organizing a small exhibition of student work in the school to showcase the completed projects.
- Provide additional resources and readings about famous printmakers and mixed media artists for students who show deeper interest in the topic.
### Homework:
- Students can research famous printmakers or mixed media artists and prepare a short presentation or report on how they used printmaking in their art.