Exercise 31:
FOUND OBJECT PRINTING

IN THIS EXERCISE, YOU WILL MAKE PRINTED ART USING A LEAF, OR YOU CAN PRINT WITH ANOTHER FOUND OBJECT IF YOU PREFER. FIND REFERENCES IN NATURE OR AROUND THE HOUSE. HOW ABOUT THAT JUNK DRAWER WHERE EVERYTHING ENDS UP? TRY BUBBLE WRAP, A CLEAN NEW SPONGE, OR A PAPER TOWEL WITH DIVOTS PRESSED INTO THE PAPER. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS RUN A TEST PRINT ON SCRAP PAPER BEFORE MAKING A FINAL PRINT.

MATERIALS

Newspaper or large craft paper

Paint or ink pad (color depends on paper color)

Palette

Round sponge brush with flat bottom

Fresh leaf (needs to be flexible)

White, tan, black, or gray smooth lightweight or heavy cardstock

Scrap paper

Brayer

1. Cover your work space with newspaper or large craft paper.

2. Place paint on a palette or use an ink pad. Load the sponge brush with paint by dabbing.

3. Lay the leaf on your newspaper wrong side up, as the veins from the underside of the leaf make for a better print.

4. Apply the paint to the leaf in a dabbing motion. Dab all around the leaf for full coverage, applying a few thin layers at a time. If using an ink pad, press the ink all over the leaf for full coverage.

5. Place the inked leaf paint side down on your paper. Cover the leaf with scrap paper or newspaper.

6. Roll your brayer over the scrap paper, moving smoothly over the entire leaf. You will sense where it is under the scrap paper. Do not roll too much or you will smudge the ink underneath.

7. Remove the scrap paper and lift the leaf carefully to reveal your print.

Printed bubble wrap is used for the background in this block-printed piece.