Screenprinting Techniques: Stencils, Photos and Editions

The course encourages an exploratory approach to image-making, supporting students to test ideas, develop an individual visual language, and expand their understanding of contemporary screenprinting practices.

Suitable for beginners as well as those with prior experience, the course introduces a broad range of screenprinting methods and processes. Students will progress from foundational stencil-based approaches to more advanced photographic techniques, expanding the creative possibilities of the medium.

Guided by Janet Parker-Smith, students will develop practical skills in precise registration, colour mixing, and image layering to create vibrant and complex compositions. Attention will be given to both one-off prints and consistent editions, providing insight into the creative and practical applications of screenprinting.

Students will also work across a variety of surfaces and substrates beyond traditional paper, including fabric, wood, and found materials, highlighting the versatility and adaptability of the medium. Through hands-on projects, participants will refine technical skills, respond to creative challenges, and explore a range of approaches to contemporary printmaking.

By the end of the course, participants will have gained a broad understanding of screenprinting's technical and creative possibilities, along with the confidence to continue exploring the medium independently.

Course Schedule:
The following is an indicative course schedule only. The content and pace of the sessions may vary in response to the students in the program.

Day 1 – Introduction to the screenprinting studio, materials, equipment, and safe studio procedures. Explore stencil-based techniques and create initial prints while developing an understanding of the screenprinting process.

Day 2 – Build on foundational printing methods through colour mixing, registration, and image layering exercises. Develop a series of experimental prints exploring composition and visual outcomes.

Day 3 – Introduction to photographic screenprinting processes. Learn photographic emulsion preparation, exposure methods, and image transfer techniques. Begin developing imagery for individual projects.

Day 4 – Continue developing photographic and stencil-based prints. Experiment with layering, colour, and scale while printing on a variety of substrates, including paper, fabric, wood, and found materials.

Day 5 – Resolve and refine printed works, considering both one-off prints and editioning. Conclude with a group discussion and review of the work produced, reflecting on technical development, creative outcomes, and future directions.

* NAS Short Courses are open to students of ages 16 years and over. The NAS Art Club is open to students 15 - 17 years of age.

* 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.