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      Selecting and rejecting ideas: using a gelli plate

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can experiment with gelli printing and reflect on and refine my prints.

      Key learning points

      1. An important part of the print process is selecting successful prints.
      2. Identifying good ink coverage, detail, textures, focal point and interesting composition are key aspects of selection.
      3. After analysing the successes and needed improvements a second print run can be attempted.

      Keywords

      • Gelli printing - a process of printing making use of a reusable printing surface used to create monoprints

      • Reflect - the process of evaluating and learning from experiences to refine skills and creative direction

      • Refine - to improve artistic skills, ideas, or techniques through practice and experimentation

      Common misconception

      Prints look exactly the same each time you repeat them.

      No two prints are exactly alike, even if they come from the same plate or block. Factors like pressure, ink distribution, and the surface it’s printed on can make each print slightly different.

      Teacher tip

      Should gelli printing not be an option you could adapt this lesson following proir print making lessons as students learn to evaluate and refine with printmaking.

      Equipment

      Gelli plate, acrylic paint, roller, printer paper, textures surface to print from, fabrics, bubble wrap, stencils etc

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a monoprint?

      a digital print made with a printer
      Correct answer: a unique print that cannot be exactly duplicated
      a print made using a stamp
      a print that can be reproduced identically

      Q2.
      A is a surface used to transfer ink onto paper during printmaking.

      Correct Answer: plate, printing plate

      Q3.
      Which is the more accurate statement to describe a "print outcome"?

      the colour of the ink
      Correct answer: the finished appearance of the print
      the tools used to create the print
      the type of paper used

      Q4.
      The way elements like shape, colour, and focal point are arranged in a print is called ...

      Correct Answer: composition, layout

      Q5.
      Why are textures important in gelli printing?

      Correct answer: They help create depth and visual interest.
      They make prints easier to reproduce identically.
      They make the print completely smooth.
      They remove unwanted ink.

      Q6.
      Which of these is not a key factor in selecting a successful gelli print?

      composition
      ink coverage
      Correct answer: size of the paper
      texture

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keyword to its correct definition.

      Correct Answer:gelli printing,a process of printmaking using a reusable surface

      a process of printmaking using a reusable surface

      Correct Answer:reflect,evaluating and learning from experiences

      evaluating and learning from experiences

      Correct Answer:refine,improving skills, ideas, or techniques

      improving skills, ideas, or techniques

      Q2.
      To improve a print, an artist should on their technique by evaluating and making changes.

      Correct Answer: reflect, review, consider, study

      Q3.
      Why is it useful to reflect on your gelli prints?

      to count how many prints you’ve made
      to criticise mistakes
      to decide if you like the colour
      Correct answer: to understand strengths and areas for improvement

      Q4.
      After analysing a print, an artist can make adjustments and attempt a print run.

      Correct Answer: second, further, following, subsequent

      Q5.
      Match the print aspect to its importance.

      Correct Answer:ink coverage,ensures even colour and detail

      ensures even colour and detail

      Correct Answer:texture,creates depth and visual interest

      creates depth and visual interest

      Correct Answer:focal point,draws the viewer’s eye to key details

      draws the viewer’s eye to key details

      Q6.
      Why are no two gelli prints exactly the same?

      Artists can only use one colour.
      Correct answer: Ink, pressure, and surface affect the outcome.
      Prints are always perfect copies.
      The plate is always changing.

      To help you plan your 8 art and design lesson on: Selecting and rejecting ideas: using a gelli plate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...