Strappos

Strappos

S T R A P P O . T E C H N I Q U E

The 'Strappo' technique was developed, taught and named by Harold Garde. I learned it from him as well as much in the way of the use of color.

"It is a combination of painting and printmaking, An acrylic painting is developed, painted on a clear glass plate. When the image is fully formed and dry, to thicken the acrylic skin, successive layers of acrylic gesso are added.

For the transfer process, fresh coats of acrylic gesso are applied both to the back of the glass plate and on the sheet where the image will be placed. The plate is placed on the prepared surface while the freshly gessoed surfaces are still wet. Weights are placed to insure contact while the gesso layers bond. After the acrylic layers are bonded, the image will be peeled from the glass. It is exactly the image as painted. The image, a monotype, is now transferred and the glass plate is clean. The surface of the image is smooth because it was developed on the smooth surface of the glass.A great advantage is that It does not require the use of a press.

A strappo image has a surface that is unique in its tactile and visual qualities. This method expands the print makers choices. It has proven useful, adding to the range of techniques available for an artist's visual expression."

- Harold Garde PBS Masters in Maine