Fine Arts · Class 12

Active learning ideas

Krishna Reddy: Innovative Intaglio Techniques

Active learning works well here because Krishna Reddy's viscosity technique is inherently hands-on and visual. When students roll, mix and pull prints themselves, they grasp the subtle changes in ink flow that words alone cannot convey. This kinesthetic approach builds the confidence needed to discuss technique and innovation with clarity.

• CBSE Learning Outcomes
• CBSE: Contemporary Indian Art - Graphic Prints - Class 12

• 30–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Case Study Analysis
• 45 min · Small Groups

Hands-on: Viscosity Ink Simulation

Prepare plates with etched textures using soft pencils. Mix poster paints with varying thickeners like cornflour for low and high viscosity inks. Students roll inks in sequence, press paper, and pull prints, noting colour separation. Discuss effects in pairs.

Compare Krishna Reddy's innovative intaglio techniques with traditional methods.

Facilitation Tip

For the inspired texture print, provide only brayers, not brushes, to push students toward the direct rolling technique Reddy used.

What to look for

Present students with two prints: one traditional intaglio and one Krishna Reddy viscosity print. Ask: 'How do the ink applications differ visually? What does this difference allow the artist to achieve in terms of colour and texture?'

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 02

• Case Study Analysis
• 30 min · Pairs

Compare: Traditional Etching vs Viscosity

Provide sample prints and tools. Pairs etch a simple design on plastic sheets with one ink for traditional simulation, then layer viscous inks for Reddy's method. Record differences in colour blending and texture on worksheets.

Explain the technical process and artistic effects of viscosity printing.

What to look for

Show a short video clip demonstrating the viscosity printing process. Ask students to write down three key steps in the order they appear, focusing on how different inks are applied and rolled.

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Gallery Walk
• 40 min · Small Groups

Gallery Walk: Reddy Print Analysis

Display enlarged Reddy prints around the room. Small groups visit stations, sketch elements, note techniques, and link to themes of nature. Regroup to share findings on a class chart.

Analyze how Reddy's prints explore themes of nature and cosmic energy.

What to look for

On an exit ticket, ask students to write one sentence explaining the main advantage of viscosity printing over traditional intaglio for achieving colour effects, and one sentence describing a theme Reddy explores in his work.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 04

• Case Study Analysis
• 50 min · Individual

Individual: Inspired Texture Print

Students select a nature motif. Use rollers and varied paints on cardboard plates to mimic viscosity layers. Pull two prints, annotate artistic effects and personal interpretations in journals.

Compare Krishna Reddy's innovative intaglio techniques with traditional methods.

What to look for

Present students with two prints: one traditional intaglio and one Krishna Reddy viscosity print. Ask: 'How do the ink applications differ visually? What does this difference allow the artist to achieve in terms of colour and texture?'

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with a five-minute live demonstration of viscosity rolling so students see how a single brayer can carry multiple thicknesses. Avoid lengthy lectures on ink chemistry; instead, focus on observation and comparison. Research shows that when students physically manipulate viscosity, their retention of the concept improves by nearly 40 percent compared to verbal explanations alone.

By the end of these activities, students will confidently describe how ink thickness creates layered colour in a single pull. They will compare traditional etching with viscosity printing and produce their own texture print inspired by Reddy’s methods, showing both technical skill and thematic awareness.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Gallery Walk: Reddy Print Analysis, watch for students attributing Reddy’s themes solely to technique.

  Prompt students to note motifs like spirals or lotus petals, then in pairs discuss which themes from Indian nature or philosophy these might represent.

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Methods used in this brief

• Case Study Analysis
• Gallery Walk