Printmaking I – AAV 214

Marchelo Vera-Lee AIMM Rm. 337 T/R 5:30pm – 8:20pm veram @ tcnj.edu
Office Hours, T/R 4:00pm – 5:30pm by appointment via Zoom conference
Email me to schedule an appointment so that I may best assist your specific needs.

At the introductor y level, students will dedicate themselves to the fundamental

principles and terminology of Printmaking while exploring the diverse strengths
of the multiple. We will focus on process of materials, craftsmanship and
conceptual development.

By working collaboratively within a studio environment you will develop effective

critical thinking and time management skills imperative to your future success
in life. Through dedicated practice, students will overtime learn how to
“read a plate” and better understand the variable relationships found between
substrate, ink and evolving matrices. Our core emphasis begins with traditional
works on paper and touches base with how print media is inclusive to
contemporar y trends and technologies. With an over view of *relief, monotype,
bookarts/bookbinding, frottage and collagraphy students are encouraged to
begin their development of the processes that will allow them to discover what
best meets their strengths as creative individuals and problem solvers.

There will be the occasional reading or podcasts assigned throughout

the semester. These assignments are supplemental to your studio work
and require you to take notes and come in prepared for class discussion.
Questions related to your individual perspectives, goals, and/or concerns are
encouraged. I may not always have an immediate answer for you and will need
time to reflect and troubleshoot. I do have a lot of real world experience with
K-12 education, fine arts and graphic design. I will always do my best to meet
your individual needs and point you in the right direction; you are required to
meet me halfway through class participation and attendance.

During your first-foundations year of printmaking we will focus on “new hand”.•

“Learn the rules like a pro,

so you can break them like an artist.”
– Picasso
 Printmaking I – AAV 214-01
Marchelo Vera AIMM Rm. 337 T/R 5:30pm – 8:20pm contact: veram @ tcnj.edu
Office Hours, T/R 4:00pm – 5:30pm by appointment via Zoom conference
This schedule is tentative. Please refer to CANVAS for weekly deadlines & project outlines.
For Covid-19 related updates visit: https://emergency.tcnj.edu/covid-19/

Course Description Printmaking I emphasizes the skills and fundamentals required to work both
collaboratively and independently within a professional studio environment.
Through print demonstrations, lectures, critiques and extensive studio work students
will develop a practical use of print vocabulary and theory to communicate within the
dialogue of Printmaking. We will cover a broad overview of the history of printmaking
and techniques including relief, monotype, bookarts/bookbinding, frottage and collagraphy.

Course Purpose & In this introductory course students are encouraged to explore color, diverse printing
Learning Goals styles and conceptual development to form a personal view through print assignments.
We will focus on craftsmanship, tools and materials. By developing a hands-on skill
set students will gain the confidence required to consistently improve their individual
work methods. We will use the various methods learned throughout the semester to
complete a body of prints and portfolio that highlights each individual’s development.
Emphasis placed on experimental and contemporary developments of print techniques.

Class Structure Each class will begin by promptly taking attendance, to avoid missing essential
information from critiques and demonstrations it is your responsibility to arrive on
time. Prepatory drawings, plates, or half-tone transparencies etc. are not acceptable as
material for scheduled critiques on their own, you must have process prints completed.

Following critique and class discussion we will have demonstrations covering the weekly
project outline. Students should take detailed notes during demos to successfully create
their print process book and keep track of their weekly assignments.

• It is very easy to get lost or forget valuable information weeks later

Everyone is expected to participate and assist if asked during demos, this will increase
your familiarity with print techniques and is instrumental to your learning progress.
Before the end of each class the instructor will provide you with any material
information needed for the next print project.

• Do not wait until class to purchase weekly needed materials

It is unacceptable to not return to the studio within a timely fashion during breaks.

The remainder of the class is for your own personal studio time. Everyone is expected
to work on the techniques introduced in the most recent demonstration. Keep detailed
notes of your work process and save all proofs and plates, as they will provide useful
information on your printmaking development.

All students must participate in cleaning the print studio within the last 20 minutes,
leave the studio cleaner than you found it. Printmaking is an art that requires extensive
and often expensive equipment, leaving a mess and/or using tools without proper
supervision or training can be costly and extremely counter productive. The studio is a
communal work environment and individuals must be respectful of other’s workspace
and prints at all times. Be considerate when using equipment, turn off tools when not
in use, put away inks and materials, and clean workspaces to establish good print habits
and a constructive work attitude.
General Grading A – Excellent work that exceeds assigned objectives and demonstrates an extremely
Policy well crafted final presentation. Student develops conceptual work and demonstrates
techniques that go above and beyond the requirements of the course.

B – Great work that meets assigned objectives, well thought out and executed original
concepts. Student pursues ideas and suggestions as developed in class, following
through with additional effort. The finalized project demonstrates professional
craftsmanship and technique. All of the project components have been developed and
revised through the critique process; work completed is above required expectations.

C – Average acceptable work that meets assigned objectives. Student demonstrates

an ability to analyze and participate in class using information gained through readings,
lectures, critiques, and individual studio hours.

D – Student work is poor and demonstrates minimal effort as reflected in the final
presentation. Project lacks craftsmanship, development, and concept completion.
Student does not meet required expectations for the course; does not demonstrate a
comprehensive understanding of course content beyond basic terms.

F – Student has failed to complete requirements as expected in the course.

Demonstrates limited care in project completion, attendance, and participation.

Grading Project assessment guidelines:

Assessment 1. Must be presented on due date
Standards 2. Demonstration in projects that assignment parameters are understood
3. Degree of conceptual understanding
4. Degree of technical skill and working out of comfort zone
5. Quality of professional presentation and documentation
6. Willingness to continuously revise assignments based on feedback

Studio classwork assessment guidelines:

1. Participation in discussions and critiques – Are you contributing to the dialogue?
2. Punctuality and preparedness – Are you consistently on time and prepared?
3. Attentiveness – Are you mentally present and engaged?
4. Making good use of work time – Are you working hard or hardly working?
5. Are you texting on your phone and being sneaky when you’re really not?
6. Ambition for personal development – Are you pushing yourself to succeed?
7. How can I help? – Do you communicate with the instructor and ask questions
at the appropriate times when something is not working out?

Breakdown Printmaking Projects 50% Exercises & Ideation 20%

Grading & Course
Requirements Relief Linoleum/Wood Midterm Assignment 15%

Monotype Midterm Artist Paper & Prints

Collagraphy Final Assignment 15%

Frottage Book Arts /Bookbinding Research

*All Canvas letter grades will be averaged and calculated using the noted % to determine
final course grade. If you have any questions, please see the instructor during midterms.
Course Workload The TCNJ standard for student work-loads is 12 hours per class. This includes time both
in and out of class.

Students are required to complete all class assignments. It is your responsibility to

work outside of class to meet deadlines. Expect 4-6 hours per week. Failure to turn in
completed projects as scheduled will result in one full lower letter grade for work not
turned in on scheduled due dates. I will not accept late work after one week.

• Projects are always due at the beginning of class sessions.

Each student will receive project grades reflecting their progress and execution of
printed media along with their accompanying conceptual outline and self assessment.
All assignments are due as scheduled. Students will be evaluated based on their
understanding and development of introduced techniques including concepts,
professional presentation i.e. a student’s demonstration of care regarding craftsmanship,
as well as time management, effort and degree of difficulty attempted when exploring
process work and the production of their finalized print-based works.

No incompletes will be given unless there are extraordinary circumstances that are
discussed previously with the instructor.

Attendance Policy Regular attendance is important for your success in the class and is reflective of your
participation. Students are required to attend ALL class demonstrations as scheduled.
Any two unexcused absences will result in lowering your final grade by one full letter
grade. Expect to meet with me outside of class for any unexcused absences.

• Students are required to meet the instructor during arranged midterm office hours.

• The instructor reserves the right not to excuse absences from any extracurricular
activities including ROTC, sports, etc.

• For doctor’s notices or any extreme cases please contact the instructor.
I will not accept excessive use of notes from the school nurse without reason.

• Students are required to arrive promptly and attend both scheduled class sessions.
Failing to do so will be considered an unexcused absence and noted on Canvas.

• Arriving late or leaving early without permission will be noted towards your
participation grade. An excused absence is one we have agreed on beforehand
or a sudden illness or family emergency. Students have the responsibility to initiate
arrangements for makeup work in a timely manner, not at the end of the semester.

Cellphone Policy Any student habitually seen with a cell phone in the classroom may be marked absent,
may be dismissed from class, and receive no credit for the day. Set it to silent and check
it during breaks outside of class. No headphones. They prohibit you from hearing me
and sharing ideas within a collaborative environment. Use the provided speakers and/
or talk to your neighbor. No texting. You are not sneaky; we can all tell what you are
doing. It’s lame and disrespectful and directly affects your ability to participate in class.

Recording of Remote Classroom Camera/Microphone Use and Recording Policy:

Class Sessions https://policies.tcnj.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/247/2020/08/Remote-Classroom-
Camera-Microphone-Use-and-Recording-Policy-Interim.pdf *Video/Camera/Microphone
recording of course sessions and instructor meetings by students is prohibited.
Art Supply Barnes&Noble @ TCNJ
Stores 500 Campus Town Drive, Ewing Township, NJ 08618 • (609) 359-5056

Blick Art Materials – www.dickblick.com

1330 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 • (215) 545-3214

Jerry’s Artarama – www.lawrenceville-jerrys.com

1330 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 • (215) 545-3214

Hobby Lobby – www.printmaking-materials.com

3360 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 • (609) 936-3792

Joann Fabrics – www.joann.com

3371 Brunswick Ave, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 • (609) 452-2565

Campus Safety TCNJ

& Art Dept 500 Campus Town Drive, Ewing Township, NJ 08618
(609) 771-2345

Kyle LoPinto
Safety and Studio Technician
(609) 771-2709
lopink1@ tcnj.edu

Brett Ratner
Art & Interactive Multimedia Technical Specialist
(609) 575-9365
Office: AIMM Rm. 213
ratnerb1@ tcnj.edu

Olivia Burton
Art & Art History Program Assistant
(609) 771-2652
Office: AIMM Rm. 321
burtono1@tcnj.edu

Printmaking Printmaking Center of New Jersey – www.frontlinearts.org

Field Trips 440 River Rd. Branchburg, NJ 08876
As scheduled (908) 725-2110 – Rachel Heberling, Frontline Arts Director

*Note: Due to COVID-19 there NYC Printmaking Fair – www.printfair.com

will be no on-site fieldtrips October 7-November 1, 2020 – IFPDA
during the Fall 2020 Semester. Online Exclusive, River Pavilion at the Javits Center
11 Avenue at 35th Street New York, NY 10001

Taller Puertorriqueño – www.tallerpr.org

2600 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133
(215) 426-3311 – Daniel de Jesus Youth Artist Program
Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm
Resources
Print Supplies
Printmaking
Tool Signout
Remote Usage
*Note: All tools provided to
students must be returned as
scheduled in good condition.
Damaged or lost tools will be
billed to students. Final grade
may be withheld. Schedule
changes: students must return all
materials within add/drop week.
Screen Printing &
Image Making Films
Printmaking Papers
Printmaking
The Complete Printmaker by John Ross
Nontoxicprint.com published by Friedhard Kiekeben
Readings – Most recent assigned readings and podcasts are available on CANVAS.
Artists Explore the Map: 1960 to 1995 by Jean Robertson & Craig McDaniel
Memory, Themes of Contemporary Art: Visual Art after 1980 by Jean Robertson
The Sociological Perspective by James Henslin
Art History and Images That Are Not Art by James Elkins
The Age of the World Picture by Martin Heidegger
Andreas Gursky and the Contemporary Sublime by Alix Ohlin
Some Social Implications of Modern Technology by Herbert Marcuse
Available at TCNJ B&N
*An adjusted and detailed Remote Semester Supply List can be found using the
Blick Arts Materials link below and on CANVAS.
As of 8/12 the art department is budgeting supplies. Check CANVAS Announcements
for specific instructions before ordering any materials for our class.
Speedball Lino Set No. 1 or Powergrip Gouges
Midwest Products Scale Lumber - 15 Pieces, 0.0416’’ x 0.0833’’ x 11’’
Akua Intaglio Proofing Ink – Lamp Black, 237 ml*
Blick Battleship Gray Linoleum - Pkg of 2, 12” x 12”, Unmounted or Mounted*
Masa Paper - 21’’ x 31’’, Sized, Single Sheets
Strathmore 300 Series Printmaking Paper - 18’’ x 24’’, 30 Sheets
Ranger Archival Ink Pads - Choice of 3 colors
Micron Pens & Opaque Drawing Materials
Relief Printmaking Inks - Choice of 3 colors
Speedball Speedy Carve Block - 3’’ x 4’’, 3 blocks
Watercolors
* Required course materials are marked and can be found here:
https://www.dickblick.com/lists/blicku/0D58CUGTOMV5X/publicview/
I will go over the supplies list in detail during the first day of class.
Valley Litho Supply – www.valleylitho.com
Clear Laser Film 11” x 17” (Tabloid) – 100 Sheets
Reference #76552 (can be shared)
Nazdar Source One – https://sourceone.nazdar.com/P/3241/Delta-Laser-Film
MacDermid Autotype Delta Laser Film (can be shared)
Stonehendge – General all purpose and affordable student grade printmaking paper.
Rives BFK – Perfectly suited for intaglio, screenprinting, relief and collotype.
Arnhem 1618 – Brilliantly accepts multiple layers of ink, ideal for dry or damp printing.
Lenox 100 – Closest to BFK can be used to proof before making intaglio final editions.
400 Series Printmaking Paper – General all purpose and affordable student grade.
French Paper Company – http://www.frenchpaper.com
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism Policy
Services for Students
with Disabilities
Building Safety
*Note: Printmaking I is being
taught remotely during the
Fall 2020 semester. Studio
spaces on campus are closed to
students at this time. For most
up-to-date information visit:
https://president.tcnj.edu/fall-
2020-planning/
Online Proctoring
of Exams
Course Project
Requirements
The College of New Jersey is a community of scholars and learners who respect
and believe in academic integrity. This integrity is violated when someone engages in
academic dishonesty. Complaints of student academic misconduct will be addressed
and adjudicated according to the Academic Integrity Procedural Standards.
TCNJ’s academic integrity policy is available:
http://academicintegrity.tcnj.edu
As per TCNJ’s academic integrity policy as outlined in Violations of Academic Integrity,
“Plagiarism occurs when a student submits as their own the work of others. When a
student presents the products of another individual’s work (words, images, formulae,
music etc.) without citation or proper attribution, plagiarism has occured. This includes
but is not limited to copying from a fellow student, copying from an internet source and
copying from a book or other published work.
The College of New Jersey is committed to ensuring equal opportunity and access
to all members of the campus community in accordance with Section 503/504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the (ADA) act of 1990. Any student who has a
documented disability and is in need of academic accommodations should notify
the professor of this course and contact the Office of Differing Abilities Services
609.771.3199. Accommodations are individualized and in accordance with Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1992.
TCNJ’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy is available:
http://affirm.pages.tcnj.edu
Disability Support Services: http://differingabilities.tcnj.edu
During late night working hours, students are strongly recommended to employ a
buddy system when working after hours in AIMM. The buddy system is also encouraged
when walking home from the building during late night hours. An escort by campus
police is always available. The TCNJ Campus Police Hotline is (609) 771-2345; students
are encouraged to keep this number on hand in case of emergencies. In order to
maintain proper building security, students are not to keep computer lab or art studio
doors open with trash cans or door jams. Students must also be aware of the location
of first-aid kits around the building, and especially in studio spaces use the sharps
container, gloves, masks and proper ventilation to meet implemented OSHA safety
standards. Codes for key lock boxes should not be posted in online forums or shared
with students not officially registered during the scheduled semester.
Online Proctoring of Exams policy is available: https://policies.tcnj.edu/wp-
content/uploads/sites/247/2020/08/Online-Proctoring-of-Exams.pdf
All course projects must follow instructor guidelines and be completed using the
assigned and approved medium specific parameters and format. Misrepresentation of
assigned guidelines in project submissions is grounds for academic disciplinary review.
Course Schedule Please note: The following course projects list and due dates are tentative and will
Tentative remain flexible during the 2020 Fall “remote” semester. Substitute techniques will be
introduced if necessary. This will be clearly and timely communicated using our Learning
Management System CANVAS Tools. We will meet as a class, groups, individually, and work
both synchronous and asynchronously.
Week 1

| Tuesday | 8.25.20 Syllabus Walkthrough // Safety Training // Relief Printing using Speedy Carve
Demonstration: Relief Printing Tool Basics, Bench Hook & Inking, Carving, Spoon Proofing & Press Printing,
Artists Lecture: Project 1 Introduction: Pattern Making: Review Artist Work Examples and Concepts

| Thursday | 8.27.20 • Relief Speedy Carve Printing, Open Studio

Project 1 Due: In-Progress Group Critique
Demonstration: Relief Ink Pad Multi-Color Printing, Process Colors Explained, Print as Installation,
Symmetry & Asymmetry Composition,
• Group Sketches & Conceptual Ideas Review – Break into groups for Student Feedback
Pine.Copper.Lime: Joseph Velasquez • https://www.pinecopperlime.com/pp-joseph-velasquez

Week 2

| Tuesday | 9.1.20 • Relief Speedy Carve Printing, Open Studio

Work on Finalizing Sketches, Transfer Techniques, Gouge Carving
• Individual Student Review & Instructor Feedback

| Thursday | 9.3.20 • Relief Speedy Carve Printing, Open Studio

Demonstration: Inking Up One Color, Plate Registration using Template, Monoprint Multi-Color Selective Printing, Roll Ups
Pine.Copper.Lime: John Hancock • https://www.pinecopperlime.com/episode-fortyone-john-hancock

Week 3

| Tuesday | 9.8.20 • Relief Speedy Carve Printing, Open Studio

No Class TCNJ Monday Schedule | Work on Printing Outside of Class

| Thursday | 9.10.20 • Relief Speedy Carve Printing, In-Progress

Project 1 Due: In-Progress Group Critique
Pine.Copper.Lime: Ericka Walker • https://www.pinecopperlime.com/episode-thirtyseven-ericka-walker

Week 4

| Tuesday | 9.15.20 • Relief Speedy Carve Printing, Critiques

Project 1 Due: Final Class Critique: Reference Google Drive Sign-ups

| Thursday | 9.17.20 • Frottage: Environmental Rubbings & Collagraphy, Open Studio

Demonstration: Frottage Tools & Basics, Bench Hook & Inking, Carving, Spoon Proofing & Press Printing,
Artists Lecture: Project 2 Introduction: Environmental Spaces & Rubbings: Review Artist Work Examples and Concepts
Sari Dienes “Sidewalk Rubbings”, Robert Rauschenberg “Boxes”,
Pine.Copper.Lime: Ryan O’Malley • https://www.pinecopperlime.com/episode-fortyeight-ryan-omalley

Week 5

| Tuesday | 9.22.20 • Frottage: Environmental Rubbings, Open Studio

Demonstration: Copper plate Prep, Deburring, & Backing, Setting up Hard Ground, Transfer Image Techniques, Etching Solution
Artists Lecture: Project 2 Introduction, Memory: Review Artist Work Examples and Concepts
| Thursday | 9.24.20 • Frottage: Environmental Rubbings, Open Studio
Demonstration: Copper plate Printing, Monotype plate prep & Multi-Color Printing
• Group Sketches & Conceptual Ideas, Assigned Reading Review – Break into groups for Student Feedback
Pine.Copper.Lime: Karen Oremus • https://www.pinecopperlime.com/episode-fiftytwo-karen-oremus

Week 6

| Tuesday | 9.29.20 • Frottage: Environmental Rubbings, Open Studio

Project 2 Due: Final Class Critique: Reference Google Drive Sign-ups

| Thursday | 10.1.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Demonstration: Relief Printing Tool Basics, Bench Hook & Inking, Carving, Spoon Proofing & Press Printing,
Artists Lecture: Project 3 Introduction: Political Activism: Review Artist Work Examples and Concepts
Steve Powers (ESPO) Black Lives Matter, Ai Weiwei10,000 Masks in Aid of Coronavirus Charities, George Floyd Posters, Drive By
Press Joseph Velazquez, Corita Kent on Socioeconomics: Poverty, Racism, and War, Lauren West Health & Environment, Fishtown
Rainbows
Pine.Copper.Lime: Kitikong Tilokwattanotai • https://www.pinecopperlime.com/episode-fiftyfive-kitikong-tilokwattanotai

Post-No-Bills: A Window & Lawn Exhibition // T-Shirt Design

Week 7

| Tuesday | 10.6.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Mid-Semester Progress Reports 10/5 – 10/20
Midterm Artist Research Paper & Prints Due Submit on CANVAS and Google Drive
• Group Sketches & Conceptual Ideas Review – Break into groups for Student Feedback

| Thursday | 10.8.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Week 8

| Tuesday | 10.13.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

| Thursday | 10.15.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Project 3 Due: In-Progress Group Critique

Week 9

| Tuesday | 10.20.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Demonstration: Relief Printing Tool Basics, Carving, Spoon Proofing & Press Printing
Artists Lecture: Project 3 Introduction: Pattern Making: Review Artist Work Examples and Concepts

| Thursday | 10.22.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Project 1 Due: In-Progress Group Critique
Demonstration: Relief Multi-Color Printing, Process Colors Explained
• Group Sketches & Conceptual Ideas Review – Break into groups for Student Feedback

Week 10

| Tuesday | 10.27.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Demonstration: Print Media: Folding Techniques & Use of Printed Works
• Group Activity

| Thursday | 10.29.20 • Political Activism: Relief Linoleum Block Printing

Project 3 Due: : Final Class Critique: Reference Google Drive Sign-ups

Week 11

| Tuesday | 11.3.20 • Relief Printing 3-Color Reduction

| Thursday | 11.5.20 • Relief Printing 3-Color Reduction

Project 3 Due: In-Progress Group Critique

Week 12

| Tuesday | 11.10.20 • Relief Printing, Open Studio

| Thursday | 11.12.20 • Relief Printing, Open Studio

Project 3 Due: Final Class Critique

Week 13

| Tuesday | 11.17.20 • Collagraphy Introduction

Demonstration: Collagraphy & Textures, Press Printing
Artists Lecture: Project 4 Introduction to Accordion Folds & Building Narratives

| Thursday | 11.19.20 • Collagraphy, Open Studio

Week 14

| Tuesday | 11.24.20 • Collagraphy, Open Studio

No Class TCNJ Fall & Thanksgiving Semester Break | November 23 – 27
• Group Sketches & Conceptual Ideas Review – Break into groups for Student Feedback

| Thursday | 11.26.20 • Collagraphy, Open Studio

No Class TCNJ Fall & Thanksgiving Semester Break | November 23 – 27

Week 15

| Tuesday | 12.1.20 • Collagraphy, Open Studio

• Group Sketches & Conceptual Ideas Review – Break into groups for Student Feedback

| Thursday | 12.3.20 • Collagraphy, Open Studio

Last Day TCNJ Last Day of Fall Classes, Friday, 12.4

Week 16 • TCNJ Finals Week as Scheduled

• Project 4 Due: Final Class Critique

*Printmaking I will fulfill the requirements of the fourth hour through engaged
on-site visits to art learning centers within the community. There will also be a focus
on assigned readings that cover contemporary topics of student interests.