Screenprinting workshop

What is the course about?

Students will learn how to make different types of screen-prints, using various techniques, in a creative and experimental approach to silkscreen printing. Students will learn how to silkscreen print on to paper and other surfaces, gaining a good understanding of how to register and make interesting overprinted layers in a combination of colours. Making artwork employing different methods and images and silkscreen printing in a combination of ways.
• creatively explore the mixing and application of ink
• experiment with different approaches to stencil making including paper stencils, hand drawn, digital and contact stencils
• prepare and coat a screen with a photo sensitive emulsion
• learn techniqes to register imagery and layer your imagery
• cutting and tearing paper stencils
• coating the stretch screen with a photo sensitive emulsion
• photographics and hand drawn design that can then be exposed on to photo sensitive screens.

What will we cover?

• Making paper stencils
• Preparing art work using a variety of drawn found and/or digital starting points
• Learn how to prepare and coat the screen with a photo-sensitive emulsion
• Expose and develop artwork on the screen
• Learn how to screen print on to paper and other surfaces
• Gain a good understanding of how to register and over print employing different silkscreen
• Make artwork using different silkscreen methods and images to print in a combination of colours and different ways.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Apply and manipulate ink – exploring monoprinting and colour mixing on screen, changing opacity of ink, layering
• Coat the screen with photosensitive emulsion and expose using a variety of media –direct contact, hand drawn and digital imagery
• Create 2 colour stencil using direct stencils employing registration techniques
• Adapt and apply methods for exploring the creative potential of screenprinting.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

All levels are welcome. The course is suitable for complete beginners and more experienced printmakers who want to try out new ideas. Basic Photoshop skills and a knowledge of digital photography would be beneficial.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Demonstrations will be given to enable you to understand the techniques and instructions will be given on how to use the equipment.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All basic materials are provided. You should bring to the first class, sources of imagery to be used for reference / visual inspiration (sketches, magazine cutting, on-going work etc.) as a way in to starting personal projects.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

there are various other screenprinting courses to continue with such as 'screenprinting;studio projects'. Alternatively you may wish to use your new portfolio of prints to apply for advanced courses in printmaking or fine art. Your tutor can advise.