Abstract Screenprinting onto Paper Workshop

Abstract Screenprinting onto Paper Workshop with Karoline Rerrie.

Create a series of bold abstract prints on paper using hand cut stencils, bright coloured inks and the technique of screen printing.

Please note: this is a hands-on workshop. There will be some drawing and participants will be using equipment such as scalpels and squeegees. Some of the workshop will be seated but participants will also be standing to screen print.

Age group and abilities to be taught        

• 18 years and above.
• Suitable for adults of all ages and abilities including beginners, people looking to refresh their skills and those with some printmaking experience.

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Materials and equipment suitable for screen printing on paper
• Drawing shapes and creating an A4 design suitable for hand cut stencils
• Using a scalpel to hand cut stencils of your design
• Screen printing on paper using hand cut stencils
• Using water based ink, a squeegee and a silk screen to print on paper
• Registering two layers of colour
• Screen printing a series of approximately six prints on paper
• Cleaning and looking after screen print equipment

Course outline

Morning activity 

• Introduction including health and safety
• Demonstration of how to set up to screen print and how to screen print an abstract design using hand cut stencils
• Demonstration of how to clean equipment
• Guidance on how to create a design and hand cut a stencil
• Participants will draw shapes and create their own A4 designs for hand cut stencils
• They will hand cut their first stencil using a scalpel
• Some of the group will set up to screen print and print their first layer of colour on A4 or A3 paper (others will go for lunch)
• When finished they will clean screen printing equipment

Afternoon activity

• The rest of the group will set up and screen print their first colour on A4 or A3 paper
• When finished they will clean screen printing equipment
• Participants will hand cut their second stencil using a scalpel
• They will set up to screen print, register their second layer of colour and add it to their prints
• Participants will screen print a series of about six prints on A4 or A3 paper
• Once finished they will clean screen printing equipment
• Prints will dry, participants will clean up, pack away and then take their prints home at the end of the workshop

Materials and equipment to be brought by participants

• Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting ink on
• Basic drawing materials including a HB pencil, rubber, pencil sharpener, scissors, an apron
• An A3 folder to take work home in
• Drawings of simple shapes or motifs you would like to work with. If you would like to prepare a design in advance it should be no bigger than A4. Bold designs and block shapes work best for screen printing

Materials and equipment provided

These will be provided for use during the workshop and are included in the fee. While all this equipment is provided, you may wish to bring your own as well.

• Cutting mats
• Disposable gloves and aprons
• A4 paper for drawing and printing
• Scalpels
• Screen printing equipment
• Pre-mixed water based inks in basic colours: red, blue, yellow, orange, green, brown, turquoise, and magenta

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Group discussion and tutor feedback
• Completion of the evaluation form

Booking information

• To book please use the ticketing system below. Alternatively, please call the Gallery on 0121 236 4353 during opening hours to book over the phone. Bookings can also be made in person at the Gallery.
• Booking is essential. Payment in full is required at the time of booking to secure a place.
• Payments are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Places are limited to 10 people per workshop unless stated otherwise. Allocation will take place on a first-come first-served basis.
• All workshops run from 11.00am – 4.00pm with a 40 minute lunch break, unless otherwise stated. Tea and coffee will be provided, participants need to provide their own lunch.
• Please inform the RBSA Gallery when booking of any health conditions or additional needs as some workshops might not be suitable.
• A valid student ID must be provided to receive a student discount.

Cancellation Policy

• If you, the customer cancels your booked workshop, we are unable to offer you a refund.
• Transfers to an alternative workshop may be possible depending on the circumstance and is at the discretion of the RBSA Gallery.
• In the event of under-subscription, workshops may be cancelled or re-arranged. We will give you as much notice as possible if this happens and you will be able to transfer to another course or receive a full refund. The RBSA is unable to refund additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
• If you are booked on a workshop and do not turn up on the day, a refund will not be given.

Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Copyright

• We welcome bookings from people attending for Continual Professional Development (CPD). However, our workshops are not designed as CPD. If your employer is paying for the course or you require more details about what you expect from the course, please contact the Gallery in advance before booking.
• The workshop content and any information provided (e.g. handouts, guidance notes, etc.) are the intellectual property of the artist delivering the workshop. They should not be used or reproduced without permission from the artist (e.g. copying handouts to use in any classes workshop attendees might deliver themselves afterwards). 

Other information

• The workshop will take place in the RBSA Gallery, floor 1. The space will be closed to visitors and will only be used by workshop attendees. However, staff and volunteers will need to walk through the space at various points in the day to access the staff office, which is located on the same floor.
• Attendees can leave their materials in the workshop space during their breaks but the RBSA will not be responsible for any loss or damages.
• Please bring a packed lunch. Alternatively, there are a number of cafés and sandwich shops within walking distance of the Gallery.
• Please bring an old shirt or apron to help protect your clothing.
• The continuous redevelopment work in the city center has caused increased traffic, delays, and diversions in and around the City Centre. Therefore, please allow yourself plenty of travel time, plan your route, and check your parking arrangements.
• If you are travelling by car, please ensure your car is clean air zone compliant, or charges may occur.