Screenprinting Techniques: Stencils, Photos and Editions

Discover the full spectrum of screenprinting in this hands-on course, designed to welcome beginners while also offering new challenges for those with prior experience. We will start with approachable stencil-based techniques, building a strong foundation before moving into more advanced photographic processes. Janet Parker-Smith will introduce you to the use of photographic emulsion, darkroom procedures, and exposure methods that allow for the transfer of detailed imagery onto screens, opening up wide creative possibilities.

As the course progresses, you’ll refine practical skills such as precise registration, colour mixing, and the layering of multiple images to create vibrant, complex compositions. Attention will be given to both single, one-of-a-kind prints and the production of consistent editions, giving you insight into the artistic as well as practical applications of the medium.

Janet will encourage students to experiment with a variety of surfaces and substrates beyond traditional paper—such as fabric, wood, or found materials—highlighting the versatility and adaptability of screenprinting. Emphasis will be placed on personal experimentation, creative problem-solving, and developing an individual visual language within the process. By the end of the course, participants will have a broad understanding of screenprinting’s technical possibilities and the confidence to continue exploring the medium independently.

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students from ages 15 years and over.

* What to bring? Please refer to the list of required materials in the Art Materials field below.

Students must supply their own art materials, please refer to the list below.

• 6 x plastic containers for mixing inks
• 2 x pencils for drawing - type 2B
• 1 x black fine and 1 x medium permanent markers
• 10 x sheets of butcher’s paper, size A3 or bigger
• 1 x sheet of wet media acetate A1 size 100mic
• 4 x sheets of Stonehenge paper (56 x 76cm) white or off white
• 15 x sheets of cartridge paper for printing and proofing, size A2
• 2 x plastic kitchen spatula
• Ruler, scissors, Stanley knife
• Notebook or sketchbook
• Apron and gloves
• Roll of masking tape (painters tape if possible)
• Photos and images of own choice
• Other materials if you want, e.g. fabric, other papers for printing onto

• Covered footwear is essential in all studios on campus.

Janet Parker-Smith is a Sydney-based artist whose practice spans print media, small-scale sculpture, collage, and altered books. Over the past 25 years, she has exhibited widely in Australia and internationally, presenting several solo exhibitions and selected as a finalist in numerous art awards. Her work is held in major collections, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the National Gallery of Victoria, as well as many other public and private collections.
Alongside her studio practice, Janet teaches printmaking at the National Art School and Sydney College of the Arts and works with local councils on large-scale art projects and public programs. She has been represented by Van Rensberg Galleries in Hong Kong, as well as May Space and M. Contemporary in Sydney.