Lesson video

Hello, everyone! How are you today? I hope you're doing really well.

I'm so pleased that you're here.

My name is Ms. Afzal and I'll be your art teacher for this lesson, which I'm feeling very pleased about because today, we're looking at printing, which is one of my very, very favorite things, screen printing.

Our lesson is called "Screen printing basics: from stencils to finished prints." I wonder if you tried screen printing before, and if not, I'm excited for you to have a go.

Our lesson comes from the unit of work, "Foundation workshops: developing skills." So if you're ready with some focus, energy, and enthusiasm, we'll begin our lesson.

The outcome for today's lesson is I can create a simple screen print, using a stencil and apply correct technique to produce clear, repeatable results.

We have some keywords in our lesson.

Let's go through them.

Screen, stencil, and squeegee.

So what do these keywords mean? Screen is a fine mesh frame used to transfer ink onto a surface in screen printing.

Stencil, a cut-out template that allows ink to pass through selected areas only.

And squeegee, a tool with a flat rubber blade used to push ink through the screen.

These are our keywords, screen, stencil, and squeegee.

Let's look out and listen out for them.

They will be coming up in our lesson today.

Today's lesson is called "Screen printing basics: from stencils to finished prints," and it has two learning cycles, Creating stencils and Screen printing.

Let's begin with Creating stencils.

Many iconic designs are made using screen printing.

The technique allows artists to create bold, repeatable images that stand out.

Pause here and share with someone, have you ever had a go at screen printing before? And if so, how did it go? Thanks for sharing.

A stencil is a cut-out template that blocks ink from passing through.

The open areas let ink reach the paper, creating your image.

The shapes you cut away in a stencil will print as inked areas.

The shapes you leave behind will remain blank.

Planning this carefully avoids confusion later.

Many artists use stencils in their work to accurately and quickly transfer images.

Banksy is a world-famous but anonymous street artist who often uses stencils.

His works combine sharp, graphic imagery with political and social messages about war, consumerism and inequality.

Malaquias Montoya uses screen printing to highlight social justice issues.

His bold, hand-cut stencils and strong colors communicate messages of resistance and empowerment.

Shepard Fairey uses screen printing and stencils in contemporary graphic communication, blending street art and political design.

So these are just some of the artists using stencils in their work.

I wonder if you know of any more.

Pause here and share with someone.

Thanks for sharing.

Let's have a check for understanding.

What is the main purpose of a stencil in screen printing? Is it A, to decorate the screen frame? B, to make the screen stronger.

C, to block areas of ink from passing through.

D, to mix colors evenly.

Pause here while you decide what's the main purpose of a stencil in screen printing? Well done if you selected answer C.

Indeed, the main purpose of a stencil in screen printing is to block areas of ink from passing through.

To create a stencil for screen printing, you will use screens, squeegees, stencils, ink, paper.

You might also use equipment such as aprons, gloves, and mats for safety and protection.

A screen refers to a fine mesh stretched over a frame.

The mesh count dictates the number of threads per square inch on the screen.

A higher mesh count creates finer detail, while a lower mesh count works better when using thicker inks or printing onto rougher surfaces.

Craft knives are sharp, so always cut on a mat, keep hands behind the blade, and return knives to a safe position when not in use.

A common mistake when making stencils is cutting too many small details, as this makes the stencil fragile.

Instead, keep shapes bold and simple for a strong, clear print.

Another element to consider in your design is the use of islands and bridges.

So here we have the outer edge and here's the island.

For instance, if you cut the outer edge of the letter O, the inner circle, the island, will be removed.

To counter this, stencil artists use bridges, connecting elements that hold islands in place and help to keep the stencil in place.

Who can see the outer edge and island and the bridges? Consider the use of islands and bridges in your design to avoid losing details unintentionally.

A well-created stencil can be used for multiple prints.

Pause here and share with someone which of these prints are you most drawn towards, and why? Thanks for sharing.

I'm most drawn towards those green letters against the white.

Very bold and stands out clearly.

Let's have a check for understanding.

What material is a screen usually made from? Is it A, cardboard? B, solid plastic sheet.

C, clear glass.

Or D, fine mesh stretched over a frame.

Pause here while you decide what material is a screen usually made from? Well done if you selected answer D.

Indeed, a screen is usually made from fine mesh stretched over a frame.

And now it's time for your first task.

I would like you to create a simple stencil inspired by a theme, for example, nature, architecture, logos.

Focus on clear shapes that will print well.

So pause here while you have a go at this task, creating a simple stencil inspired by a theme.

Enjoy your task, and I'll see you when you're finished.

It's good to be back with you.

How did you get on with that task of creating a simple stencil inspired by a theme, for example, nature, architecture, logos, focusing on clear shapes that will print well? You might have created something like this and said something like this.

Here's Jun.

"I made this stencil design of an autumn leaf.

I decided to keep the overall shape simple, as I think this will help to create a bold print." You're absolutely right.

Boldness and simplicity works really well.

And now we're onto our next learning cycle, Screen printing.

We are getting right into it.

So excited.

To use a screen for printing, ink is pushed through the screen mesh using a squeegee, but only where the screen allows it.

Designs can be transferred to a screen using stencils or screen filler fluid.

This process requires securing your cut stencil over the top of the screen using tape or clamps.

If using screen filler fluid, transfer your design onto the screen by tracing a reference photo through the screen mesh.

So here we see the reference photo being traced.

Next, paint on the screen, drawing fluid into the areas you want to print through.

Once the drawing fluid is dry, use a squeegee to drag the screen filler fluid across.

Once dry, wash off the screen gently in cold water.

Once the screen is completely dry, it's ready to print with screen printing ink.

And here we can see the screen on the left and a print on the right.

With the stencil and screen securely together, apply a thin bead of ink horizontally at the top of the screen.

To press the ink through the stencil and screen, onto the surface underneath, use the squeegee to collect the line of paint and pull down.

A pull is one movement of dragging across the screen with the squeegee.

The pressure and angle control how well ink passes through.

It's a movement to really take great care with.

Use a smooth, even pressure with the squeegee and lift carefully to reveal the print underneath.

Too much pressure pushes ink underneath the stencil, making the edges blur and the print messy, while too little will leave gaps.

It's always about finding that middle way.

It's also important to use the right amount of paint to cover all areas of the stencil, without running out towards the base of the print.

Aim for consistent, even pressure for a clean result.

Let's have a check for understanding.

What happens if you press too hard with the squeegee? A, the print becomes sharper.

B, ink floods under the stencil and edges blur.

C, the stencil cuts through the mesh.

D, the screen won't release any ink.

Pause here while you decide what happens if you press too hard with the squeegee? Well done if you selected answer B.

Indeed, ink floods under the stencil and the edges blur if you press too hard with the squeegee.

Many contemporary artists use screen printing for graphic communication and contemporary fine art audiences.

Omeima Mudawi-Rowlings incorporates screen print and textile-based printmaking into her practice, creating works that celebrate cultural heritage, pattern and community.

Fae Kilburn uses linocut and screen print to explore themes of identity, accessibility and lived experience, often with bold compositions and tactile surfaces.

Hend Al-Mansour employs silkscreen and relief printmaking to create immersive installations, exploring Islamic pattern, storytelling and feminist themes.

So here are a few contemporary artists using screen printing for graphic communication and contemporary fine art audiences.

Comparing your prints with others can help you to learn more about screen printing techniques and how to improve them.

Discuss with a partner or as a group how you could improve the quality of your screen prints.

Pause here while you do this.

Thanks for offering each other that support.

Let's hear some of this feedback.

Alex, "I noticed the edges of my print are a bit blurry in some areas.

I'll try to make sure I use the right amount of ink and apply an even pressure throughout for the next ones." Good thinking.

And Jacob, "I might experiment with using multiple colors by using different stencils, or by using the same stencil and carefully lining it up on the surface in different positions for variation." Sounds really interesting.

Screens must be cleaned immediately with water and a sponge.

This keeps mesh clear and ensures the equipment lasts longer.

Let's have a check for understanding.

Which of these will help keep screens and tools in good condition? A, washing with water and sponges after use.

B, leaving ink to dry before cleaning.

C, scraping off dried ink later.

D, not cleaning, ink makes the mesh stronger.

Pause here while you decide which of these will help keep screens and tools in good condition? Well done if you selected answer A.

Indeed, it's washing with water and sponges after use that will help keep screens and tools in good condition.

And now it's time for your next task.

I would like you to use your stencil and screen to create at least two prints.

Experiment with color, placement, and repetition to explore variation.

So pause here while you have a go at this task, using your stencil and screen to create at least two prints.

Enjoy your task.

Enjoy your printing.

I'll see you when you're finished.

It's great to be back with you.

So how did you get on with that task of using your stencil and screen to create at least two prints, experimenting with color, placement, and repetition to explore variation? You might have created something like this and you might have said something like this.

Let's hear from Sofia.

"I used a leaf stencil to create these variations of screen prints.

I changed colors to evoke different seasons, and used both sides of the stencil to mirror the design." So wonderful.

I would like you to share with someone your impressions of Sofia's prints and Sofia's process to achieve these outcomes.

Pause here while you do this.

Thanks for sharing.

And now I would like you to share your prints with each other and to talk through your process.

How did you come to your final outcome? Pause here while you do this.

Thanks for sharing.

Next, I'd like you to offer each other some feedback on your prints.

What do you think has worked really well? And any suggestions for some changes or a different approach? Thanks for offering each other that feedback and those suggestions.

Hopefully, they will be helpful.

And finally, I would like you to share with each other any ideas you have for future screen prints.

What might be a future design that you would like to print, and any ideas about colors or process that you'd like to explore? Thanks so much for sharing.

I hope you're feeling inspired to continue your screen printing journey.

In our lesson "Screen printing basics: from stencils to finished prints," we've covered the following.

Stencils are used to block and reveal areas of ink.

Even pressure and consistent angle with the squeegee is vital for clean prints.

Screen printing allows for repetition and variation through color and composition.

Well done, everyone, for joining in with this lesson.

Screen printing is really one of my most favorite things ever, so I'm so pleased to have shared this with you.

It was great to go right into the detail of how to create stencils and screen prints and looking at ways in which we can explore some variation in our prints.

I hope you'll continue on your screen printing journey and I'm wishing you all the best with that.

Hope you've enjoyed this lesson.

I've really enjoyed teaching you, and I'm looking forward to seeing you at another art lesson soon.

Until then, stay creative.