Why do artists use screen printing?

It provides a simple and convenient means of printing designs and logos on paper, canvas, t-shirts and other products, but it is also an effective method of displaying art.

How long has screen printing been around? 

Screenprinting itself has been a recognizable printing process for centuries, with some examples in China dating back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD).

The use of screenprinting as a modern artist medium began in 1938 when a group of artists in New York (known as the Federal Art Project) started working with the method of screenprinting and really developed its potential. They were the group that formally coined the term serigraphy and later formed the core of the National Serigraph Society, which actively promoted the art form for over twenty years.

Most Notable Screen Printing artist? 

 Andy Warhol

Arguably the most famous proponent of the screen printing technique was Andy Warhol. He regularly used the printing technique during the 1960s. He used screen printing to print colourful recreations of images from films and the silver screen onto canvas. His portrait of Marilyn Monroe remains the most recognised of all art recreated using screen printing. He also created similar portraits of Elvis and other celebrities.

Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein was another artist that was prominent in the 1960s, and very well know for his screen printing work. His artwork was highly reminiscent of cartoon frames, using thick outlines and bright colours. Although he tended to portray cartoon style people in his artwork, Lichtenstein also printed images of architecture and well known landmarks. He was a prolific artist and is known to have produced more than 300 prints, including those made using the screen printing technique.

Peter Blake

Peter Blake may not have been as prolific as Lichtenstein, or quite as well known as Andy Warhol, but he brought screen printing to the world with his design of the Beatles’ album cover for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. His other designs included the single cover for Do They Know It’s Christmas, and he produced designs for bands and solo artists including Paul Weller, Oasis and The Who. He also designed the Brit Award statuette and was knighted in 2002.

Laurie Hastings

Screen printing was first used more than 1,000 years ago and was popularised during the pop art movement in the 1960s, but it remains a popular means of recreating images and designs today. One contemporary artist who has established herself as a leader in this field of art is Laurie Hastings. She draws incredibly intricate line drawings, typically inspired by people and by nature, and then recreates limited edition screen print runs that are put up for sale.

Clare Halifax

Clare Halifax is another artist that creates intricate and highly detailed drawings, this time of architectural images and designs. Her style lends itself perfectly to the screen printing process, because she typically only uses one or two colours in her designs. Halifax has a history in textile design, hence her use of textiles and screen printing to recreate her unique architectural art style.

Why Goodsinners Screen Printing Classes? 

Goodsinners has applied Screen printing art to a wide variety of patterns and mediums, blending fine art and fine craft to produce fresh and vibrant designs. Learn proper printing techniques and take advantage of her streamlined process for screen printing. Empower yourself with this new skill set and bring this versatile and dynamic craft to your creative space!