Artist Demonstrating Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s Color Woodcut Technique

Conservator and printmaker Christina Taylor demonstrates the color woodcut printing technique used by artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner to create the dynamic print “Bathers Tossing Reeds,” 1909. Kirchner wrote that, "There is no better place to get to know an artist than in his graphic work." Creating a small reproduction of the work, Taylor examines the details of the print to decode the creative choices that the artist pursued or abandoned in each successive step. In doing so, she uncovers the full breadth of experimentation, demystifying the printmaking terminology and techniques used.
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK:
+ Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, German, “Bathers Tossing Reeds,” 1909. Original Language Title: “Mit Schilf werfende Badende.” Woodcut printed in black, green, and red inks on off-white wove paper. Harvard Art Museums/Busch-Reisinger Museum, Gift of Charles L. Kuhn in memory of Louis W. Black, BR58.190. hvrd.art/o/223237.
+ Discover more printmaking and artist demonstrations, featuring works from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections: • In The Artist Studio: ... .
SPEAKER: Christina Taylor, Assistant Paper Conservator, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies Programs, Harvard Art Museums.
This video is part of our vimeo.com/channels/1557966 series in which curators, conservators, fellows, and graduate students share short, informal videos that offer an up-close look at works from our collections.
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© President and Fellows of Harvard College. Video: Christina Taylor. For questions related to permission for commercial use of this video, please contact the Department of Digital Imaging and Visual Resources at am_divr@harvard.edu.

Пікірлер: 65

  • @antinorest
    @antinorestАй бұрын

    Thank you, Kirchner is one of my favorite artists

  • @stevenjohnson7086
    @stevenjohnson7086 Жыл бұрын

    Your speaking process is engaging, informative and minimal. The subject matter is clearly defined, well-lit and is held at hand in perfect timing. Thank you for that. No idiotic soundtrack, galloping through important ideas or pandering with disruptive pleas for subscriptions. This was very enjoyable, relaxing and educational.

  • @moirabalboa8901
    @moirabalboa8901Ай бұрын

    Agradezco tan claro análisis y demostración del proceso de producción del trabajo de Kirchner ❤

  • @1Ma9iN8tive
    @1Ma9iN8tiveАй бұрын

    Incredible case study of Kirchner’s approach to multi coloured woodblock printing. I’m inspired. I tried a similar process to produce a study of a Japanese woodblock print from the Meiji era of a woman sitting in a hot pool bathing. It is only a two colour print but your video tutorial has provided me the key to understanding three, four, five plus coloured compositions. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and process. From New Zealand - Arohanui.

  • @winstonsmith5854
    @winstonsmith5854 Жыл бұрын

    You. Are. Such. A. Great. Teacher. My goodness .

  • @Sunshine-zm1fx
    @Sunshine-zm1fx10 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for these instructional videos. I studied lithography in the late 80s and always wanted my own press. But there are so many options for people who cannot or do not wish to own a press. Excellent teaching. I understood everything very clearly.

  • @choff01
    @choff012 жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. Thank you for sharing this with us!

  • @susannahyoung5859
    @susannahyoung5859 Жыл бұрын

    Your presentation and clarity of process is informative and demystifies the printing experience. Thank you. I look forward to more.

  • @NickVenture1
    @NickVenture1 Жыл бұрын

    I liked the still life composition made with the wooden block and the cooking spoon on the table. This made rise memories of my grandmother's kitchen where a lot of very important action took place over the years. Baking, cooking and artwork making. Now all is gone... but memories remain and got ignited by this vision.

  • @r.mcd2921
    @r.mcd2921 Жыл бұрын

    You are an outstanding instructor. Thank you.

  • @mattholdzkom5929
    @mattholdzkom5929 Жыл бұрын

    Does Christina have her own printmaking channel? This is the most helpful process video I've seen in a long time!

  • @VickiParfenow
    @VickiParfenow2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much. I appreciate your knowledge and skill. I have learned so much from you.

  • @allesleyparkkid
    @allesleyparkkid2 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant!!! Really enjoyed that ... thanks so much for sharing.

  • @Gabi-zo8ob
    @Gabi-zo8ob2 жыл бұрын

    i love these videos!! so helpful

  • @NyeBilly
    @NyeBilly Жыл бұрын

    Brilliant, love Kirchner and loved learning how he made his prints. Thank you.

  • @ChristopherJWalton
    @ChristopherJWalton2 жыл бұрын

    Such an interesting and helpful film - thanks very much!

  • @radiantjw1
    @radiantjw15 ай бұрын

    Great demo!!!! Thank you. All very clearly laid out.

  • @edtepperphotoart2264
    @edtepperphotoart22645 ай бұрын

    Hi. I hope you're still looking at responses. I enjoyed this and your other videos very much. I'm new to woodblock printing and it's fascinating to me to see how some of the great masters did their work. You have an excellent presentation style. Thanks!!

  • @_deers
    @_deers4 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for this insight!

  • @michaelcogan75
    @michaelcogan757 ай бұрын

    Thank you for another inspirational video!

  • @cristinakaisserian5359
    @cristinakaisserian53597 ай бұрын

    wow she is so clear and makes it seem so simple...thank you ever so much

  • @umlooad
    @umlooad3 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the detailed explanation.

  • @maryperrystone
    @maryperrystone3 ай бұрын

    Wonderful demonstration.. Thank you very much

  • @Fremulshmat
    @Fremulshmat Жыл бұрын

    Great video….well explained plus I enjoyed learning about Ernst Kirchner.

  • @lithiumgaurd
    @lithiumgaurd6 ай бұрын

    Great video-- I love how you replicated where he'd put his tool down and up. Such attention to detail

  • @barrysmith1487
    @barrysmith1487 Жыл бұрын

    Great job!

  • @zahraj9526
    @zahraj9526 Жыл бұрын

    That’s amazing! 🤩

  • @patricksmith4424
    @patricksmith4424 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video of this technique. I am just stating to learn about the whole colour printing process and vids like these are so informative. It's had to believe that someone like Kirchner would go through the huge task of carving the blocks just for one print.

  • @LindseyFrancesJones
    @LindseyFrancesJones2 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video!

  • @dacoole
    @dacoole5 ай бұрын

    Wonderful Work Congratulations !

  • @phillange166
    @phillange166 Жыл бұрын

    I'll second the motion to cheer your quiet, detailed explanation of one artist's techniques and preferences in each of these videos. (So good to have your VG teaching mode and without music, special effects, whiz-bang graphics.) Now, I'm interested in Die Brucke, 'cause---although I saw it mentioned in a half dozen other videos---but you made it worth studying via the works of EK.

  • @aussievaliant4949
    @aussievaliant4949 Жыл бұрын

    I agree with @Steven Johnson. Thank you for that. No idiotic soundtrack, galloping through important ideas or pandering with disruptive pleas for subscriptions. Subbed!

  • @kdpaintart8367
    @kdpaintart8367 Жыл бұрын

    Great technique

  • @HoangDRM
    @HoangDRM5 ай бұрын

    Marvelous.

  • @michaeldemetz
    @michaeldemetz2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Will use it for a Xmas print. Michael, Dolomites

  • @mikescott433
    @mikescott4332 жыл бұрын

    ...well explained THX so much & greetings from Kirchner's birthplace!

  • @harvartmuseums

    @harvartmuseums

    2 жыл бұрын

    Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @lesmods69
    @lesmods692 жыл бұрын

    amazing. thx

  • @Fremulshmat
    @Fremulshmat4 ай бұрын

    I watched this video again today ( I watched it previously last year when I was under pressure to get some coursework finished…so I enjoyed it much more today ) you really explain this printing technique very well. Are the woodblocks made out of some sort of plywood? Maybe someone could recommend where is a good place to get the gouges/wood chisels suitable for woodblock? Thanks for posting.

  • @TraceMeek
    @TraceMeek Жыл бұрын

    I love this! Well done. What kind of wood blocks are you using, and how does that compare with the experience of carving linoleum? I would imagine that you have to sharpen your tools more often! I look forward to trying this technique.

  • @paulbaldwin6803
    @paulbaldwin68032 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful. Thank you. What kind of wood did you use for the plates? Looks like 3/8th inch plywood.

  • @roycebaucke2715
    @roycebaucke27152 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Very clear and easily explained. I was impressed with your method of registration - so simple a technique - one which I must try.

  • @harvartmuseums

    @harvartmuseums

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @originalvincie6116
    @originalvincie61168 ай бұрын

    Thank you Ms. Taylor. The technique and videos you share are superb. Kirchners wood block explained. I wish I had right and left hands instead of toes. haha. Is there an extra of that magnificent work?

  • @italitally2989
    @italitally2989 Жыл бұрын

    It's a whole another ballgame with Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s Color Woodcut Technique.

  • @ryanboeding1318
    @ryanboeding1318 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, I have been trying to find a good way to transfer images to the blocks/ linoleum. I sometimes glue tracing paper onto them, sometimes simply use carbon paper to trace it. What techniques do you use to get a good crisp image transfer? Thanks.

  • @tiffanyinman3476
    @tiffanyinman3476 Жыл бұрын

    you are the MASTER.

  • @edoardoa.gonzalez7494
    @edoardoa.gonzalez7494 Жыл бұрын

    GRAC IAAAAS!

  • @kingyo9783
    @kingyo9783 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic ,professional explanation of this kind of printing....Is it possible You can explain aquatinta with sugar?Thanks a lot🧚‍♀️

  • @elizabethasmith4471
    @elizabethasmith44717 ай бұрын

    Would you mind sharing how you transferred the image to the block? Thanks

  • @mmedeuxchevaux
    @mmedeuxchevaux7 ай бұрын

    excellent. what i don't understand is how you knew where to place the paper from top to bottom. I see the registration mark (?) on the right but how did you accurately center the paper from top to bottom?

  • @ichbinsnichmehr
    @ichbinsnichmehr3 ай бұрын

    klasse

  • @zebulunashcroft6623
    @zebulunashcroft662311 күн бұрын

    What sort of ink is best for this (or what ink is used in this video...)? 🙏

  • @gungadin900
    @gungadin9007 ай бұрын

    did you/ELK print wet on wet, or did you wait for the layers to dry before adding the next colour? Did ELK dilute the ink to make it translucent?

  • @Ponnybit
    @Ponnybit2 ай бұрын

    i was always taught in linocut never to go back and forth with the brayer as im leaving other parts of the roller with ink and not spreading it well, but i see this is ignored here in woodcut, does it influence? cheers

  • @CK-km9rj
    @CK-km9rj2 жыл бұрын

    This is my second video I've come across made by you; the other being the picasso reduction lino. I'm only two minutes into this one but I stopped watchung to ask you some questions. Excuse me if you answer them in the video, I just couldn't wait as im so insistent on knowing how you transfered your image to the lino and with what did you use to get such a good transfer?? Also you said in the last video it was oil printing ink you used. Any particular brand you recommend? I don't think you're one to answer questions in this comment section, but I hope you do find yourself at the keyboard. 😀 Thanks again for making these videos! They're very clear and concise, and they feed the creativity in me. Understanding some techniques the Masters used in relief printing is knowledge that is only limited by imagination! Thanks

  • @harvartmuseums

    @harvartmuseums

    2 жыл бұрын

    Response from Christina Taylor: I transferred the image to the Munch block using white Saral transfer paper and to the Picasso block using a Xerox transfer method (using acetone and pressure from the press to transfer the photocopy image). There are many types of oil-based inks available. In these videos I used Hanco Handschy Litho inks. I hope that helped answer your questions, and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the videos!

  • @CK-km9rj

    @CK-km9rj

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for your response!

  • @michael.mcshan
    @michael.mcshan2 жыл бұрын

    Are these reproduction prints for sale? I would love one.

  • @harvartmuseums

    @harvartmuseums

    2 жыл бұрын

    Unfortunately, we do not have reproduction prints avaiable at this time. The Harvard Art Museums encourage the use of images of works of art found on our website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. To request a higher resolution file of this image, please submit an online request: harvardartmuseums.org/imagerequest

  • @Grathom15
    @Grathom15Ай бұрын

    hello, what is the pigment of the skin tone of the figures?

  • @dayuhanspace
    @dayuhanspace Жыл бұрын

    this looks amazing and simple to make. but i think it would look better and cleaner if you start wit the orange layer,then green and lastly the black part

  • @seanfaherty
    @seanfaherty8 ай бұрын

    This is cool. When I do it It’s just some hippy copying shit. When you do it it’s academic.

  • @Elements_of_MA
    @Elements_of_MA9 күн бұрын

    Love the antifascist, feminist graphic in the back! Solidarity

  • @ioncekilledamanwithmyshoe
    @ioncekilledamanwithmyshoe3 ай бұрын

    She kinda sounds like Lena Dunham