CMYK Screenprinting

About this event

A 2-day Workshop Intensive:Class meets Saturday-Sunday, November 7-8, 10:30am-2:30pm

CMYK prints are a quick way to reproduce color images using halftone dots: think of the comics page of the newspaper or vintage magazines. In this workshop, you’ll be able to make prints of your own photograph and explore ways to alter the layers as you print to make unique versions!

We will start by looking at how to prepare a color photograph for printing by dividing it into its cyan, magenta, yellow, and black layers and setting the halftones. We’ll print these digital stencils onto transparency and expose the images onto our screens (two 23”x31” screens are included in your Material Fee). We’ll also learn about pin-and-tab registration as we prepare our paper for precision printing.

Then we’ll get inky, printing the image in the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black layers to create a direct facsimile of the original photograph. We’ll also experiment with altering the layer order, masking areas to create monotypes, and see how adjusting the ink colors can all affect the overall look of the print.

Level: Intermediate—Introduction to Screenprinting on Paper or Fabric, or similar experience (6 hours), is required.

Registration closes October 31, 2026. Material fees are included with your registration to cover the supplies provided in class. Students will need to gather/purchase additional materials for class (see the materials list below). This list will also be provided with the registration confirmation email.

Sample image by Beth Hansen

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES:

Registration includes a $100 materials fee to cover all of the necessary materials provided in class, including ink, paper, and two brand new 23”x31” screens for you to keep. Students will need to supply additional supplies of their own, including:

A high-resolution, digital version of a color photograph. All photos will be collected 1 week in advance for the instructor to review and help troubleshoot. More details at registration.*

(optional) A notebook and writing utensil: you’ll want to take notes!

(optional) A personal apron (we’ll have extras) and/or clothes you don’t mind getting ink on

(optional) Bring your laptop (with Photoshop) so you can do the digital preparation yourself with instructor guidance!

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Beth Hansen is an alum of the Corcoran College of Art + Design, and has been printing in Washington, DC for 20 years. She specializes in non-linear screen printing, which focuses more on experimentation and manipulating the surface of the print to create varied editions, rather than executing a replicable design. Beth shares her knowledge and love of printing by creating collaborative prints with other artists and teaching workshops with institutions such as the American Art Museum, the National Gallery, and Shop Made in DC. Learn more about her work at www.bethhansenart.com.