Project - Screen Printing - Self Portrait

“Self-Portrait”
Cari Freno

Theme
Self-Portrait

Purpose
To create a self-portrait in a multilayered silkscreen print using three ink colors and extenders. Students will attempt to achieve six layers of color.

Materials
• Speedball® Polyester Screen
• Speedball Printing Frame with Hinges
• Speedball Squeegees
• Speedball Water-Soluble Screen Printing Inks
• Speedball Ink Extender
• Rubylith or Amberlith Film
• Adhering Liquid
• Film and Filler Remover
• Loop Tools
• Art Knives
• Masking Tape
• Assorted Papers

Time Required
21 Sessions

Process
The Art IV class will develop valued drawings of themselves on white paper, in a size range of 12” x 18” to 18” x 24”. Using the drawing as a model under the silkscreen layers, the students will create three silkscreens to be layered on top of one another during the printing process.
Sections of each color layer will be overlapped by the consecutive layers to create multiple color changes.

SESSIONS 1-5
Photographs are taken of students in a variety of poses. One image of each student is used for the individual prints. Each photo is enlarged to fit the selected print size. Possible methods of color selection are 1) mapping values on layers of tracing paper or 2) doing a layered drawing in gray tones, or 3) using colored pencils on the initial sketch to designate colored areas to be printed. After three colors are chosen, the student should be able to achieve mixtures of them
in the areas that overlap.

SESSIONS 6-15
Give full instructions on the proper use of art knives. Students spend approximately three days on each color layer. Place the film over the drawn image and cut out the areas to be printed using loop tools for texture and art knives for larger open areas.

SESSIONS 16-21
Present safety rules for use of adhering fluid and film remover, both of which are toxic and flammable. Work in a well-ventilated room while adhering film to and removing it from the screens. Use a mask at all times and gloves when working with both chemicals. Properly dispose of all papers and rags during the adhering and removal process. [Note: Speedball does not recommend this process for students below the senior high school level. An alternative
to adhering fluid/film remover is the Speedball Diazo Photo Emulsion method.] Individually mount each layer to the screen using adhering fluid. All areas around the edges of the film will be taped off. Print the darkest color first, using a variety of papers and experimental grounds that have been previously prepared. Closely registering the second layer over the print, apply the medium color with the addition of extender to make the second color translucent. Repeat with the third layer, using the lightest color last. As each print is layered over the previous one, the
extender will allow new colors to appear over the overlapping colored areas.

TEACHING AIDS
The silkscreen prints of Andy Warhol make ideal references.

EVALUATION
The students will be evaluated on their:
• Creativity in the composition of the portrait
• Ability to balance all color throughout the image
• Craftsmanship in the printing process
• Use of experimental grounds
• Labeling each print within the edition
• Ability to create at least six color changes in the image from using only three inks Each student is required to turn in a minimum of five prints which show color changes and use of multi-media on the print, as well as experimental grounds.