Exploring Texture

Art Problem: Through the printmaking process of constructing a collograph printing

plate students will explore the element of texture; the artistic choices students make
while constructing their collograph example will help prepare them for their final text
illustration.

Criteria for your Texture Example:

Your collograph must have:
1. Examples of at least 5 different textures/low relief materials or art
media.
2. Combine these textures in a visually active composition/design.
1. Using Paper:
Paper can be used in a collograph
to develop the element of VALUE.
Different types of paper have
varying weights and surface
textures; therefore the paper will
absorb the ink in different ways.
To experiment with paper:
Combine layers of paper in a
collage style to create visual
interest. Use matte media as
glue/sealer and make sure to seal
over top of your layered paper
with matte medium. Paper can be
cut or torn to produce certain
2. Fabric:
Fabric can be very similar to
working with paper. However
fabric will normally absorb more
ink than paper. Fabric can be
used to show VALUE and
TEXTURE. Each type of fabric
has a different texture and the
varying textures will all print
differently.
To Experiment with Fabric:
Identify how and where you want
to use the fabric you like. What
will it be in your image? Like the
paper, use matte medium to
glue/seal the fabric in the
designated place. You may need
3. Gesso:
Gesso can be used in many 4. Glue:
different ways. First you can create
varying textures by building layers Elmer’s glue can be used to create
of gesso. Smoother layers can be pattern, texture and line design for
made by applying gesso with a collograph print. Use the edge of the
paint brush, whereas rougher glue bottle to create glue lines of
textures can be made by applying varying sizes.
gesso with a palette knife.
Impressions of objects can also be
made with gesso. In order to do this
you will need the following
materials:

• Gesso
• Object/ objects
• Vaseline
To make an impression of an object
in gesso:
1. First cover the object’s side
you want to make the
impression of in Vaseline.
2. Take a palette knife and
smear a thick layer of gesso
on your plate.
3. Place the Vaseline covered
side in gesso.
4. Leave over night, the next
day take the object out of the