Screen Printing on Paper

Long celebrated for its bold, graphic appeal, Screen printing has a rich history in both fine art and commercial outlets. In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of traditional silkscreen printing and the tools associated with its practice.

The class meets on Tuesdays for four consecutive weeks for a total of 10 hours.

Given several weeks to develop artwork, students are encouraged to experiment with both hand drawn and photo-based imagery. We will use layering techniques to achieve rich compositions that reflect students’ own creative interests. Some basic photoshop skills are helpful, but not required. All consumable items are provided, though we will also go over the different kinds of paper available for those who would like to create archival prints.

Beginning with one-color prints and hand-drawn imagery, students will have the chance to explore the medium and its various uses. Over the four weeks, students will also learn to use photos and digitally manipulated imagery in order to advance their ideas and produce a unique series of original screenprinted artwork.

At the end of the 4 classes, students will collectively look at the work produced and discuss technical and conceptual successes, skills learned, and future goals.

Classes Breakdown

Class 1:

• Intro to Materials and process
• Demo Coating screen
• Demo Burning screen
• Demo printing on paper
• Students coat screens.
• Students work on design + burn screen.
• Homework: Send photo to be printed in class

Class 2:

• Intro to photographic manipulation of imagery (photoshop demo)
• Students coat screens
• Students print designs from previous class
• Students burn photographic image into screen.
• Students layer 2nd image into first
• Homework: Students consider an edition of prints in multiple colors

Class 3:

• Demo multi-colored prints
• Demo registration techniques
• Print/make new designs
• Coat screens/ clean screens
• Prepare screens for final class

Class 4:

• Show images of screenprinted artwork examples
• Students print Final edition of prints.
• Students reclaim their screens
• Pin up best work – talk about it.

About the Instructor

Nick Mahshie is an artist and print designer from Miami, Florida. He holds a Masters of Design in Fashion, Body & Garment from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he worked under the renowned visual artist, Nick Cave, and a BFA in Painting from Rhode Island School of Design.
As Oolite Arts’ printmaking resident, Mahshie brings his knowledge of contemporary print practices to the public by leading workshops and hosting open studio hours to interested artists and designers.
Mahshie also teaches in the Foundation Studies program at Florida International University’s College of Architecture and The Arts. He has worked with artists of all ages as an educator at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Children’s Museum of Art in New York City