Reduction Prints with AMACO Ceramic Printing Inks

Low Fire
Underglazes
Beginner
Basic Shapes

Reduction prints were developed by Picasso. This printmaking technique uses a single block, which is progressively carved and printed in multiple layers to create a multicolored image.

We will use craft and packing foam rather than blocks to create our multi-colored image that will be printed on bisqueware tiles. With each stage, more of the foam will be taken away, meaning earlier colors are literally reduced from the surface. The process continues, color by color, until the final layer is printed.

For the color, we will use AMACO Ceramic Inks. These printmaking inks are specifically designed for use on ceramics. They are great for screenprinting, craft foam printing, and monoprinting!

Goals & Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Understand and explain the reduction printmaking process as it applies to both traditional paper printmaking and ceramic surfaces.
Utilize color theory to plan and execute a series of color layers that produce depth and contrast in the final design.
Analyze and critique their own work and the work of their peers, discussing the effectiveness of design, use of space, and color choices.

Principles & Elements of Design:

Value - refers to the lightness or darkness of a color or tone.
Analogous Colors - colors located adjacent to each other on the color wheel.

Glossary:

Brayer - a small roller tool used to apply ink evenly onto a printing surface.
Plate or Printing Plate - refers to the surface onto which an image is created or transferred for the purpose of making prints.
Glaze Fire - To heat glaze materials at a temperature high enough to melt and form a glassy surface coating when cooled.

Reduction Prints Process 1 — Watch the Tutorial Video

Creating Your Print

Step 1

Cut sticky backed craft foam and packing foam to match the size of the 6"x6" low fire bisque tile.

Step 2

Cut four narrow strips from the sticky backed craft foam and press them onto the edges of the packing foam.

Step 3

Cut, peel, and stick two large shapes to the packing foam.

Step 4

Cut, peel, and stick five medium sized shapes to the packing foam.

Step 5

Cut small shapes to fill the background. The goal is to minimize the amount of negative space.

Step 6

Mix a light AMACO Velvet Underglaze about 50/50 with water and liberally apply one coat to the tile.

Step 7

Use a brayer to evenly roll the lightest AMACO Ceramic Printing Ink color onto your custom printing plate.

Step 8

Place printing plate face down on tile. Draw an arrow on the back to show the top of the printing plate.

Step 9

After pressing firmly on the back of the printing plate, carefully peel it off the tile.

Step 10

Remove the smallest shapes, they will remain the lightest color in the final print.

Step 11

Ink the printing plate with the medium color, place face down on the tile, and repeat Step 9.

Quick Tip: Use a baby wipe to clean any excess ink that gets on the packing foam.

Step 12

Remove medium size shapes, they will remain the medium color in the final print.

Step 13

Ink the printing plate with the darkest color, place face down on the tile, and repeat Step 9.

Step 14

Remove the printing plate, let the ink dry, then apply AMACO LG-10 Clear Transparent Glaze and fire to cone 05.

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Material List

AMACO Ceramic Printing Inks
AMACO Velvet Underglazes
AMACO 6"x6" Low-Fire Bisque Tile
AMACO LG-10 Clear Transparent Glaze
AMACO Fan Brush
3" Square Thick Craft Foam
Adhesive Craft Foam
Packing Foam
Brayer
Mist Bottle
Permanent Marker
Scissors
Cup
Baby Wipes
Tape

Reduction Prints with AMACO Ceramic Inks

Goals & Objectives