Collagraph:

A print made from a block or plate that has been built up by gluing objects to it in a
process similar to collage.
High Relief Printing

Constructing the Block:

There is much room for invention and creativity. You can use a variety of materials like;
plants, sand paper, string, textured fabrics, doilies and many more.

These are pieces of cut linoleum, a way to have some

control of the imagery if you wanted to add detail

Yarn
Tape

Rice

Split Peas

Glue
Yarn and Fabric

Cardboard

Sandpaper and Cardboard

Found
Objects
This collagraph is made
from larger harder objects
like keys and paper clips.
You CANNOT put a
collagraph like this through
a press, it will damage the
roller.

You can create textures using glue and gel mediums

Sample textures made

from gel mediums. Palette
knives, popsicle sticks,
cardboard and the handle
of a paint brush are all
possible tools you can use
to shape a gel medium.

Intaglio Inking Process

Inking the Relief: Many collagraphs are inked using an

Intaglio process. The ink is rolled or scraped on with a
palette knife and then wiped off in certain areas. See
demo in class for more details.

This relief was made from thick white acrylic house paint and a palette
knife. The mountains were built up using glue. The block was then coated
with shellac, a sealer. A press and intaglio printing process were then
used to print the block.

More SAMPLE
PRINTS
CAN YOU GUESS WHAT MATERIALS THE ARTISTS USED
TO CREATE THEIR BLOCK?
HOW MANY LAYERS OF PRINTING OCCURRED?
STUDY THE USE OF LAYERED COLORS.

FINALLY, BEGIN TO CONSIDER WHAT MATERIALS AND HOW MANY

LAYERS OF COLOR YOU WOULD LIKE TO USE TO CREATE YOUR
OWN COLLAGRAPH.

This example includes a photocopy transfer process to represent the Buddha figure .

Your Collagraph Assignment: Face/s from your Past, Present and/or Future

1.

A collagraph portrait that includes a single face or multiple faces that

relate to your past, present and/or future. The portrait can be realistic or
imaginary and can have sentimental or emotional meaning to you.

2.

You will use multiple layers to create a multi colored print.

3.

Pre-planning and registration will be important for this print to be

successful.

Your Design and Plan:

1.

Sketch your ideas first so you can collect your materials accordingly. Consider
the background in your sketches. What textures? What colors will you use?

2.

Begin with a piece of corrugated cardboard or any scrap material that is

sturdy. Paste down your background materials. I recommend using wood
glue unless you want the texture of hot glue to show.

3.

Set up a registration area, SEE demo in class. Print at least 5 of just the
background, let them dry for a day.

4.

Paste the next layer let it dry, you can use a hair dryer if needed.

5.

Using your registration so the colors line up, print the next layers. You may
need to mask off the background layer so you dont get ink on that portion of
your print.

A.
B.

A.

You can use many

materials for the
base of the
collagraph and the
face portion.

B.

The cardboard can

be cut away to
make a unique
textural design.

Draw and then cut your face design out of cardboard, foam or another found material.

SAMPLE
COLLAGRAPH
PORTRAITS