Under the Sea, Illustration
Engraved printing and watercolor washing

Students played with sea life stuffed animals, reviewed illustrated books featuring sea creatures, and viewed a video about the ocean. They were asked, “If you lived under the sea, who would you be and why?” Based on this motivation students developed a sea character and wrote a short story line. They then engraved a styrene printing plate, cut it out and printed multiple images of their creatures on one piece of paper using the plate. A watercolor wash was added to the work, along with salt to produce a representational, bubbled seascape scene. Students had to consider the principles of unity and balance via placement of their character prints, choice of ink colors and watercolor washes. In addition to learning about printing and watercolor washing, students also learned that artists plan and consider many variables in creating work that communicates a story idea.  (See photos below.)

Displaying the prepared printing plate.

Preparing the ink.

Inking the printing plate.

The "aha" moment when the first print is revealed.

Painting a watercolor wash.

Adding salt to the watercolor wash.

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