The Great Wave Print Block Project

Printmaking is always a fun project that the kids love. 

We started by discussing Kanagawa, The Great Wave woodblock print by Japanese artist Hokusai, created in late 1831.  The print depicts three boats moving through a storm-tossed sea, with a large wave forming a spiral in the center and Mount Fuji visible in the background.

We practiced drawing waves and sea turtles.
The students then learned the steps of printmaking, including:
Drawing the image,
Carving into the block,

Rolling out the ink with the brayer,

Applying the ink to our stamps, and
Carefully placing the print paper on the stamp to transfer our image (this is the fun part).

After printing our waves, the students were given free choice to design a second print using the other side of the block.

The images were then mounted on cards to give as gifts or display. 

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