Leaf Marker Prints

Author: Sarah Clowe, Director of Art Programs

Materials: Washable markers, leaves, glue, and paper

Take inspiration from artist Allen Grindle and experiment with printmaking!

The original work from the museum's collections, House, was created using a hand carved wooden block relief printmaking technique. Relief printmaking refers to applying color like ink to something with raised edges in order to press against a surface like paper to create your art. We'll use the raised edges on the veins of leaves to create the lines of our prints in this project.

Once you've finished your art, feel free to email a picture to me at clowes@albanyinstitute.org and I'll feature it in a Museum Makers gallery!

Leaf Printing

In House, artist Allen Grindle used woodcut relief printmaking to create an image of a house with roots underneath. The shapes in the roots of his work made me think of the patterning in the veins of leaves.  Leaf veins contain similar lines as roots, and I decided to use leaves in a less complex printing method to achieve similar designs to Grindle's roots.

Paper House

Grindle's artwork includes powerful symbols that called out to me in reflection to the current times. Many of us have spent far more time than usual these past few months inside of our homes, and the prominent house in this print seemed to match that.  Feeling "rooted" or settled in your home is an important feeling. The image of a house and roots suggest representations of the person shown being sheltered, cared for, and connected with. If you would like you may keep your leaf prints as is or add on a simple house.

Collection Connection: House

Published June 25, 2020