Andy Warhol, Printmaking

Description:  In this activity, we learned about artist Andy Warhol and how he became famous for his use of printmaking and bold, vibrant colors. Students were introduced to printmaking tools and techniques, including how to use rollers and foam sheets to create prints. Each student drew two flower designs and transferred their drawings onto foam pieces by tracing over them. They then applied paint to the foam using rollers and pressed their designs onto gallery paper. Working in pairs, each student created four prints, exploring color and repetition in the style of Warhol.

Extension Activity: Students will build on their understanding of printmaking by creating a series of prints with intentional color variations, layout planning, and thematic consistency—similar to Andy Warhol’s iconic work. Students use their original flower foam prints or create new nature-inspired designs (leaves, insects, sun, etc.). They create a group of 4-6 prints on one large sheet, varying the colors of the ink and background paper for each.