Early Childhood

How can students practice painting and printing while distinguishing between the two techniques?

Students will use painting and printing techniques to create an abstract representation of a growing plant or tree.

• 10 x 16" (25 x 40.5 cm) white paper
• tempera paints
• paintbrushes
• circle sponges
• paper towels
• images of abstract art that emphasize line and shape

Step 1
Show students reproductions of abstract artworks and ask what they see. Point out the lines and shapes in the artworks.

Step 2
Discuss and demonstrate the differences between painting and printing.

Step 3
Distribute materials. Using black paint, students create stems or trunks that extend across their paper.

Step 4
Using colored paint, students print circles to represent flowers and leaves.

Did students use both painting and printing techniques? Were students able to create an abstract representation of a growing plant or tree using line and shape?

Wendy Libby is an art teacher for the Bangor School Department in Bangor, Maine.