AN EXPERIMENTAL MULTI-COLOUR SERIGRAPH (BINEY`S

AN EXPERIMENTAL MULTI-COLOUR SERIGRAPH
(BINEY’S TECHNIQUE)
BY
EMMANUEL BINEY
07070192
A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GRAPHICS OF
THE SCHOOL OF APPLIED ARTS TAKORADI POLYTECHNIC IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE HIGHER
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN COMMERCIAL ARTS (GRAPHICS OPTION)
i
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this submission is my own work towards the Higher National
Diploma in Commercial Art Graphics option and that, to the best of my knowledge it
contains no material previously published by another person nor material which has been
accepted by other tertiary institution, except where due knowledge had been made in the
text.
EMMANUEL BINEY
Candidate
Certified by
MR. SETH EMMANUEL DOGBE
........................
Signature
...........................
Signature
.............................
Date
.............................
Date
(Supervisor)
Certified by
............................
DR.SAMUEL .A. BENTUM
Signature
(Head of Department)
ii
.............................
Date
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I first and foremost give my utmost thanks to the Almighty God, for his constant
protection and sustenance, and for seeing me through this project successfully.
I am also very grateful to many individuals for their cooperation in supplying me with
assistance, illustrations, materials and above all vital information. They include various
heads and staff of institutions and establishments, without whose help this work could not
have been completed.
Secondly, I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to my family, for helping me in terms
of financial problem and prayers whenever I call them for assistance.
My appreciation also goes to the Head of Department of Graphics in the person of Dr.
Samuel .A. Bentum for the wonderful work he is doing at the Department.
Lastly, I am also indebted to my helpful and competent supervisor Mr. Seth Emmanuel
Dogbe, for his many valuable comments and corrections for which I am deeply grateful.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS
PAGE
TITLE PAGE
i
DECLARATION
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
iii
TABLE OF CONTENT
iv
LIST OF PLATES
v
Plate 1 Strawboard
20
Plate 2 Pigments
20
Plate 3 Staple gun
21
Plate 4 Drawing ink
21
Plate 5 Acrylic
22
Plate 6 Hammer
22
Plate 7 Lap top
23
Plate 8 Digital Camera
23
Plate 9 Laser printer
24
Plate 10 Utility knife
24
Plate 11 White glue
25
Plate 12 Pencil
25
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Plate 13 Ruler
25
Plate 14 Pen drive
26
Plate 15 Cardboard
26
Plate 16 Tracing paper
27
Plate 17 Painting brushes
27
Plate 18 Palette
28
Plate 19 Foam
28
Plate 20 Squeegee
29
Plate 21: Glass cleaner
29
Plate 22: Paper tape
30
Plate 23: Frame
30
Plate 24: Colour mount
31
Plate 25: Frame with mount
31
Plate 26: Inking and marking the image on tracing paper
32
Plate 27: Stapling the mesh onto the wooden frame
33
Plate 28: Placing the screens on developing table.
34
Plate 29: Washing the screen with foam and water.
35
Plate 30: Screen placed on paper.
35
Plate 31: Pulling ink from one side to the other.
36
Plate 32: First stage of print
36
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Plate 33: A develop stage of print
37
Plate 34: Print of additional colours
37
Plate 35: Mixing the acrylic colours
38
Plate 36: Painting the mount
39
Plate 37: Marking the mount
39
Plate 38: Cutting the mount
40
Plate 39: Placing the mount on serigraph
41
Plate 40: Spraying the glass
41
Plate 41: The framed serigraph
42
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1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 Background of the study
1
1.2 Statement of the problem
1
1.3 Objectives
1
1.4 Delimitation
2
1.5 Limitation
2
1.6 Definition of terms
2
1.7 Abbreviations used
3
1.8 Importance of study
4
1.9 Organization of rest of the text
4
2. CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERTURE
2.1 Definition of Printmaking
5
2.2 History of Printmaking
14
2.3 Importance of Printmaking
15
2.4 Types of Printmaking
16
References
17
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3. CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research methodology
18
3.2 Historical method
18
3.3 Descriptive method
18
3.4 Analytical method
18
3.5 Populations
18
3.6 Sampling
18
3.7 Questionnaires
18
3.8 Data collection method
18
3.9 Libraries visited
19
3.11 Preparation towards the project
19
3.12 Tools, materials and equipment
20
3.13 Procedure
42
Appreciation
43
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4. CHAPTER FOUR: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
4.1 Summary
44
4.2 Conclusions
44
4.3 Recommendations
45
Bibliography
46
Appendix
47
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter discusses the background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives,
importance of study, delimitation, limitation, definition of terms, abbreviation used and
the organization of the rest of the text.
Background of the study
Screen printing is a printmaking technique in which the artist transfers the design onto
another surface through a screen. Usually, limited colours are used. There is a lot more
experiment that will unveil interesting and innovative techniques. Screen printing is the
newest method for making prints. This research involves using several screens to make
multiple parts of one screen print in different colours.
.
Statement of the problem
Screen printing is the newest method for making prints. Even though it is possible to print
more than one colour, forms are not printed or represented to maintain threedimensionality. The researcher seeks to experiment on a personal approach and discover
other possibilities of the effect stated above.
Objectives
i. To identify and describe existing documented research materials relating to screen
printing.
ii. To experiment on special multi-colour screen printing technique for reproduction.
iii. To write on illustrated report on the study.
1
Delimitation (scope of the study)
The study is focused on reproducing forms with line and flat range of tones.
Limitations
The technique used was a tedious exercise. This required extreme patience and
carefulness. As a result a lot of time was spent on the work.
In all, twenty screens were used for the work. This raised cost of producing the work very
high.
Definition of terms
Composition: The organization of lines, shapes, colours and other art elements in a work
of art. More often it is applied to two-dimensional art.
Colour: The product of decomposition of white light.
Cool colour: Colour that appears to recede in space and which has blue or green in it.
Colour separation: The process in which an image with multi- colour is represented on
surfaces with each surface having a single colour.
Edition: A group of identical prints all made from a single plate
Form: It is an object with three dimensions
Print: An image transferred from a prepared surface such as paper or fabric.
Printmaking: The process of creating one or more images from a single prepared surface
Registration: Positioning or placement of forms, plates, screens and negatives so that
they will print in precise relations to other forms, plates or negatives as in colour
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separation. It is also referred to as the positioning of image impression on the printed
sheet- proper alignment of one another.
Registration marks; crossed lines placed outside (but relatively close to) the image area
used to ensure proper positioning of the colour image.
Serigraph: A screen print that has been hand made by an artist.
Subject: The image viewers can easily identify in a composition, being a figure, an
object, a place or an event.
Stencil: A thin sheet, such as a metal, or paper in which a pattern is cut so when paint or
ink is applied it passes through the opening to form a design on the surface against which
the sheet has been pressed.
Support: the surface on which a two-dimensional work is made.
Shape: An area clearly set off by or more of the other five visual elements of art, a twodimensional area that is bordered. It is an area that stands out of space next to area around
it because of a defined or implied bound or because of difference of value, colour or
texture.
Screen printing: A printing technique in which the image is transferred to the support
(surface) by forcing ink through a fine mesh in which the areas not meant to print have
been blocked, disallowing ink to print at those areas.
Warm colour: colour which has red and yellow in it and which seems to advance to the
viewer.
Value: the lightness or darkness of a colour in relation to black and white.
Abbreviation used
Eg : example
Et al: and others
3
Etc: and so on
Fig: figure
Importance of the study
The technique used by the researcher to produce the work was highly innovative. The
research outcome will be useful to illustrators, visual artists, students and lecturers of
Takoradi Polytechnic as well as other tertiary institutions.
It will again serve as a resource material and inspirational guide for printmakers. This
research will help in enhancing the teaching and learning of printmaking in the Takoradi
polytechnic.
Organization of the rest of the text (in the remaining chapter)
Chapter one is the introduction. It describes the problem, objectives, delimitation (scope
of study), and importance of the study and the arrangement of text.
Chapter two reviews the definitions and ideas of writers and authors on related topics.
Chapter three is the research methodology which deals with the procedure and techniques
applied to execute the work from the beginning to the end.
Chapter four is the summary, conclusions and recommendations. The research report
ended with the bibliography and the appendix.
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CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.0 Introductions
The literature related to this project will be reviewed under the following headlines:
a. Definition of Printmaking
b. History of printmaking
c. Importance of Printmaking
d. Types of Printmaking
2.1 PRINTMAKING
According to Faux et al (1988),
“Printmaking is the process of manufacturing multiple copies of graphic images.” (1)
The above expression clearly identifies printmaking as a means of making copies of
existing images.
Hanson et al (2005) also defined printmaking as,
“The art of transferring an impression from one surface onto another surface. It is a way
of producing image by a variety of duplicating processes and the art of creating and
reproducing them.” (2)
The above submission fundamentally recognizes printmaking as a method by which an
image is copied from a surface onto another surface as a means of duplicating that image.
The surface from which this duplication can be done includes leaves, tree barks, shells as
well as thumb. From the above statements, there is a clear indication that, printmaking
was and is still used as a means of recording ideas which will help to remember things
that one has done previously.
5
According to Amenuke et al (1991),
“Printmaking is the art of making marks or impression on surfaces such as paper, cloth
and leather. This is done by pressing or stamping paint or ink onto the surfaces.” (3)
Weaver is of the view that;
“The first prints made by man, knowingly and for specific reasons, were those of their on
hands and fingers dipped in pigment and pressed onto the walls of other caves. (4)
The above statements basically printmaking as a process by which an image is transferred
from an inked surface to another. The surfaces could include polythene, wood as well as
metal.
It is also evident that, making a print directly from objects of different kinds that are not
even specifically designed for the purpose of printing is not entirely new for the practice
had been there since prehistory.
Printmaking however, is described by Heller (1958) as,
“Graphic communication by multiplied impression.” (5)
The above therefore means that, printmaking basically is an art used to communicate
ones ideas or thoughts to others. It further implies that, an artist can or is capable of
making his ideas, thoughts or feelings known to others through the art of printmaking.
2.2 History of Printmaking
Seinberg (1995) opines that;
The history of Printmaking is an integral part of the general history of civilization. The
principal vehicle for the conveyance of ideas during the last five hundred (500) years,
printing touches upon, and often penetrates almost every sphere of human activities.
6
Printmaking originated in China after paper was invented (about A.D. 105). Relief
printing first flourished in Europe in the 15th century, when the process of papermaking
was imported from the East. Since that time, relief printing has been augmented by the
various techniques and printmaking has continued to be practiced as one of the fine arts.
Relief printmaking technique is the oldest technique. It was introduced during the
oriented period between 8th and 9th century. The first illustration was represented for the
chronicles in 1493. It was basically used for pictures and illustrations.
2.3 Importance of the Printmaking
To stress on the importance of printmaking, Word worth (1995) states that printing is the
means of spreading truth and making love expands. (6)
By this statement, Wordsworth emphasizes on the importance of Printmaking as a means
of communication, and that with prints; people are able to make their thoughts, ideas and
emotions known to others. It can therefore be conveniently said that, Printmaking as an
art and any other human activity is purposeful, and meant to achieve certain goal or goals
in life. People are then given the opportunity to share the views and feelings of others
through the activities of Printmaking. It is not surprising therefore that Printmaking
became an important component of man‟s revolutionary advancement.
In the light of the above, Stocks (1994) pointed out that;
Lots of things are printed. This reading material is also printed. So as newspapers,
magazines, and comics, wallpapers, greeting cards and fabrics are also printed. (7)
From this statement, it openly shows that Printmaking and human life are inseparable.
To buttress on the importance of Printmaking, Morgan et al (1988) also says that;
Printmaking is a rich source of pleasure, learning and expression. (8)
It could therefore be ascertain that Printmaking promotes learning, help people to express
their inner feelings, relieves people from boredom and aids people who are withdrawn
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and timid to express themselves. This shows that Printmaking helps a lot in preparing
students physically, academically and above all mentally, hence its significance.
Seinberg (1995) opines that;
The history of Printmaking is an integral part of the general history of civilization. The
principal vehicle for the conveyance of ideas during the last five hundred (500) years,
printing touches upon, and often penetrates almost every sphere of human activities. (9)
From the above statement, it is very clear that Printmaking is needed as an element of
man's life and it is also as old as human society itself. It is realized that as far as
civilization continues to be part of man, and since Printmaking making plays a major role
in it, it must be given much needed attention preference.
Barkar (1971) also states that;
When a reader opens a book, interesting stories and existing people from other places,
land and time comes alive. Countries of history happen in a few hours of reading. What
started as a thought is written down, printed and finally read, perhaps touches the lives of
millions of people. That is the magic and wonders of printing. It is a priceless tool that is
absolutely necessary to build up and continue civilization‟s heritage of learning. (10)
This statement buttresses the fact that, since man is always thinking and formulating
ideas and plans as to which to communicate to others, there is the need for such
information, ideas and plans to be documented through printing. This way, more
knowledge and wisdom could be gained and it could also contribute to the advancement
of the living standard of people. Printmaking is therefore the catalyst for relieving basic
school students of boredom when they open a book to read, hence its importance.
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Ecott et al (1960) states that;
The planning, cutting and printing of lino often gives satisfaction to whole classes, but its
greatest value to the teacher lies in the confidence which timid children often gain
through its use. (11)
It could be deduced from the above statement that Printmaking processes creates
satisfactory mode of expression for learners, who are often afraid, withdrawn or timid,
could feel or become happy and work confidently by themselves. It is clear that
Printmaking helps in explaining further the contents of books since what is seen is what
is read thereby contributing to a greater understanding of the character of objects in the
world around us.
2.31. Types of Printmaking
Wangboje (1982) states that;
Printmaking embraces several techniques; the four fundamental ones are Relief printing,
Serigraphy (Silk screen printing), the planographic printing process (Lithography) and
Intaglio printing processes. Printmaking can produce either direct or reverse prints. A
relief block produces reverse prints while Serigraphy leaves positive prints. (12)
In this entirety, it could be accepted that, Printmaking induces the various activities
mentioned above. It is, however, worth emphasizing that each of this ways or methods of
Printmaking has its own characteristics and approach to achieve success thereby making
the need for a comprehensive reading material on Printmaking.
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Relief Printing
Rheine (197) opines that;
In relief printing, it is the raised parts of the printing block which receives the ink, usually
from an inked roller moved over the surface, and the then transfers the design onto paper
by means of pressure. (13)
This statement shows that, relief printing has the image to be printed raised or standout in
relief which receives the ink and with a reasonable application of pressure; it transfers the
image onto a substrate. This suggests that certain steps need to be followed in arriving at
a relief print. This has necessitated the researcher into production of a step-by-step
procedure in printmaking.
Weaver (1968) says that;
Taking a print directly from an object, may be a means of disentangling the threedimensional element from the colour configuration of an objects surface; or a way of
seeing a new shorn of the colour, usually associated with it.
By reducing a number of dissimilar objects to the common denominated of black ink on
white paper, it provides a convenient means of comparing them in terms of scale and
surface character. (14)
The above statement suggests that, whenever a print is taken directly from an object, it is
able to produce an image that first appears to identical to it, or at least resemble a
particular aspect of the object. However, this type of print shows the opposite aspect of
the object, that is the mirror image of it (reverse). By practicing this process, students get
to know that this kind of printing gives the reverse of the object printed in terms of
position.
10
The object that has been printed can therefore be identified and regarded as been similar
to the original object to a greater extent.
To buttress the above statement, Sporre (1968) asserts that;
In relief printing, the image is transferred to the paper by cutting away the non-image
areas and inking the surface that remains. Therefore, the image protrudes in relief, from
the block or plate and produces a picture that is reversed from the image carved by the
artist. (15)
From the above submission, it implies that in relief printing method, the plate or block is
prepared by creating the design in reverse and in relief. The inked plate or block will then
print normal.
Silk Screen Printing
Hanson et al (2005) defined silk screen printing as;
A process whereby ink or printing paste is forced through an open area in a piece of
material, stretched on a wooden frame onto a surface for printing. (16)
The Would Encyclopedia (1994) made us known that;
Silk screen printing is a technique in which ink, paint or paste is forced through a piece of
silk onto a paper or other materials. (17)
Having taken a closer look at the above statements, the researcher has analyzed
that
screen printing uses a material, called organdie, which has dents or tiny holes through
which the printing ink is transferred onto a substrate. This transfer is done by using a
squeegee to force the ink through the dents onto the substrate.
11
2.34. Lithography
The World Encyclopedia (1994) defined lithography as;
A process that is based on the principle that water and grease do not mix. The process
where both the image and the non-image areas are on the same plane or level. (18)
The above statement gives us the understanding that, the image area to be printed, as well
as the areas that will not be printed is on the same level.
Greasy substance, been oil-based is being applied onto the image areas. Water is then
applied onto the entire surface, comprising both image and non-image areas. The image
area rejects the water while non-image accepts it.
To print, ink, being oil-based is applied to the printing plate. The non image areas being
damp repel the ink while greasy; image areas accept and hold the ink which prints the
image
.
4.35. Intaglio Printing
Sporre (1968) says that;
The intaglio process is the opposite of a relief printing. The ink is transferred onto a paper
not from raised areas but rather from depressed areas or grooves cut into a metal plate
that holds the ink. (19)
Adams et al (1945) states that;
Intaglio printing process is a process that transfers ink from sunken surfaces. (20)
Asserting the above statements, it can be concluded that the intaglio process prints from a
surface from below the surface level. It can be concluded that the intaglio process has the
non-image areas are in relief and the image areas incised below. The area to be printed is
chipped below the surface leaving the non-image area to stands above the general level.
12
It is therefore very interesting that printing can be done from a sunken surface hence; the
students tend to find answers to their curious minds after practicing it themselves.
This chapter contains the views of expressed by various authors and writers have said
about the topic or related to the project.
For example, school dictionary (1993:618) defines illustrations as “ to provide with
pictures, diagrams or other visual representations that serves to explain or decorate”.
Encarta dictionary (2009) explains illustration as a drawing, picture, photograph, or
diagram that accompanies and compliments a printed, spoken or electric text” it further
states that, illustration means the provision of pictures accompanying text”, or an
example or comparison that helps to clarify or explain something.
Longman – third edition (1995:78) defined illustration as a picture in a book article etc
especially one that helps to understand it.
w.w.w.wikipedia. com states that, illustration “ is the art or process of producing or
providing drawing pictures, photographs or diagrams to accompany a text” it further
explains that is used to embellish, clarify or decorate something.
All the definitions above by various authors and from reading materials reveal that,
illustration has something to do with drawing, a print, a photograph or an image that is
produced or provided either to accompany text or to clarify something or decorate
something.
Drawing according to www .Wikipedia .com, is the act of creating a representation of a
subject by the use of lines or value. It further states that, it is a visual art that makes use of
any number of drawing instruments to create marks on a two – dimensional surface, or
the act of making on surfaces so as to create a an image.
Encarta dictionary defined drawing as an outline picture. It further state that it is a crayon
usually consisting of line, often with shading but generally without colour” in a different
view it explains that, it is an art, activity, or practice of making pictures using a pencil,
crayon or pen.
13
Printing is defined by Encarta dictionary (2009) as production of copies or the process or
business of producing copies of documents, publications or image. It further states that it
is a typographical character as they appear on paper or on another surface.
The school dictionary (1993:960)explained printing as “to reproduce a text, picture or
design on a surface such as paper by applying inked type, plates or block‟ printing is the
generic term for woodcut , screens are prime example.
This was explained by Laurie Schneider Adam (1999:617) in his book, “Art Across
Time” referring the above definitions, the processes are not explained in details to the
effect the needed understanding of printing.
He explains further that: printing is a well suited to the production of multiple images
where he stated that a set of multiple is called edition.
According to Elizabeth Katz el al (1995:182), defined printing as the process of creating
one or more image from a single prepared surface‟.
Microsoft student 2009 encyclopedia states that, prints and printmaking is pictorial image
that could be inked onto paper and the art of creating and reproducing them the two basic
categories of prints are those are those that are made photo mechanically, such as
newspaper and magazines illustration or reproduction of the original art, sold in museum,
shops and other stores and those created by hand for limited reproductions by any several
techniques that requires artistic skills and special materials.
Baird et al (1987:208) explains that, the basic concept of several processes of printing is
the use of various surfaces bearing images to carry ink onto paper. Mark Gutlein
(2002):178) is of the view that printing making is a procedure in which the artist makes
an image and the surface by pressing to effect an impression‟. From the two definitions
above there is an indication that printmaking has a relationship with a surface.
Stencil has been described by the sheet of fault material with cut –out openings. The
stencil is places on piece of paper, textile or other surface, and ink or print is applied
through the opening onto the material beneath to form the desired design.
14
Encarta dictionary describes screen printing which was originally called silk screen
printing as „the creation of images by forcing ink through a fabric screen onto the surface
to be printed. A stencil attached to the screen prevented ink from passing where no image
is desired”. Screen printing is both an artistic technique and a production printing
method. This method of printing became important in the production of a wide array of
manufactured items, including decorative panels, plastic, and printed garments.
Colour
Encarta dictionary explains colour as physical phenomenon of light or visual perception
associated with the various wave length in the visible portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum (electromagnetic Radiation spectrum) . As a sensation experienced by humans
and some animals, perception of colour is a complex neurophysiogical process. The
method used for colour.
According to the school dictionary (1993:237) colour means a quality of an object or
substance perceived as a visual sensation resulting from its spectrum.
Ocvirk et al (2002:148) also defines colour as “the visual response to the wavelength of
sunlight identified as red, green, blue and so on having the physical properties of hue,
intensity, and value”
From the above definitions the researcher therefore concludes of the view that colour has
a relationship with light. Which means where there is light there is colour.
Technique
According to school dictionary (1993:127 technique is a method or manner of achieving
a desired result in a science, art, sport or other fields.
The Encarta dictionary (2009), points out techniques the procedure, skill, or art used in
specific tasks.
15
It explains further that, it is the way in which the basic of something such as an artistic
work or a sport are treated. It added that, it is a skill or expertise in doing a specific thing.
Mittler Ragan in his “exploring Art” expressed technique as the way an artist chooses to
use a medium.
According to Holt,Rinehart and Winston, registration deals with precise positioning of
screens or plates or plates in prints with more than one colour. They continued that, it is
the placement of forms, plates, negatives so that they will print in precise relation to or
order forms, plates or negatives in colour printing.
Mittler Ragans is of the opinion that it is a careful matching up of plates and screens in
prints with more than one colour. From the above two definitions, there is an indication
that registration has to do with printing in one than one colour ( multicolor), multicolor
means more than one colour or many colours.
According to Mittler Ragans (1992:34) reproduction is a photograph of a print.
School dictionary 3 defines reproduction as the process by which something is produced,
formed or bring again or anew, re-create to make a duplicate or representation.
The chambers dictionary explains reproduction as to produce a copy of, to form again or
a fresh, to propagate.
The Encarta dictionary defines reproduction as repeating something or to do something in
the same way as before, or to make duplicate of something. The researcher consider
reproduction as producing something of the same nature as in quantity as in the case of
colours, shapes, size etc
16
REFERENCES
Amenuke et al (1991:106) General knowledge in Art, Afrique publications Ltd, - Accra
Ghana
Baired et al (1987:208) The Graphics of Communication, Holt, Renehart, Winston, New
York
Laurie S Adams (1999:617) Art Across Time, McGraw Hill, NY USA.
Katz Elizabeth et al (1999:182) Themes& Foundations of Art, National Text book
Company, Illinois, USA.
Kwaku Ameyaw-Benneh (2004:78) Graphic Design for SSS with simple questions,
perfect press, Kumasi
Mark Getlien (2002:178) McGraw Hill, NY USA
Mittler Regans (1991:34) Exploring Art, Macmillan Mission Hills,USA.
M S Encarta Encyclopedia Standard (2004)
17
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
This chapter deals with the step-by-step order of how the whole project was done. It
involved collection of data on the topic through interviews acquisition of tools materials
and equipment for the project and various procedures required to produce the work were
used throughout the work. The various steps used for the work have been discussed
below in detail. The research methods used for this project are historical, descriptive and
analytical experimental research methods.
Descriptive
The descriptive method was used to describe the procedure through which the whole
research was done. Experimental was used to identify the variables involved in the study.
Historical
The historical method was used to explain the beginning of printing.
Analytical
The analytical method was used to analyses the data collected.
Data collection
Sampling
The researcher made use of the simple random sampling method to attain the population.
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Population
Busha and Harter (1980;56-57) define population as “any set of persons or objects that
processes at least one common characteristics.” Third year graphic design students of the
Takoradi Polytechnic represented the population. In all 100 students including males and
females were selected at random to complete the questionnaire.
Questionnaire
Questionnaires were designed for students of the graphics department of the Takoradi
Polytechnic to respond to.
Libraries Visited
The libraries visited include:
1. Library of Takoradi Polytechnic, Takoradi.
2 Librarie of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology,(KNUST),Kumasi.
3. Balme Library – University of Ghana, Legon.
4. University of Education, Winneba.
5. Regional Library, Sekondi-Takoradi
Scenes around Takoradi polytechnic were studied and sketched. An interesting one
among the lot was developed and used for the study.
19
Tools , Materials and Equipments Used.
The tools, materials and equipment for the project have been discussed below.
Plate 1: Strawboard
Strawboard: Heavy weight thick paper. This was used in making the backing of the
work during framing.
Plate 2: Pigments
Pigments: Powdered substances that give paint its colour.
20
Plate 3: Staple gun
Staple gun: Used to affix mesh.
Plate 4: Drawing ink
Drawing ink: Used to make ink marks on tracing paper.
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Plate 5: Acrylic colours
Acrylic colours: Water based colours used in applying on the work.
Plate 6: Hammer
Hammer: Used to fix nails inside the frames.
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Plate 7: A lap top computer
Lap top computer: An electronic device that accepts, processes, stores, and outputs data
at high speeds according to programmed instructions.
Plate 8: Digital Camera
Digital Camera: This is a device used to take photographs. It was used to take shots of
scenes, tools, materials and activities relating to the topic.
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Plate 9: Laser printer
Laser printer: This was used to print the project report and designs.
Plate 10: Utility knife
Utility knife: This was used to cut paper and the mount to the size of the work.
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Plate 11: White glue
White glue: This was used to adhere the mount on to the work.
Plate -12: Pencil
Pencil: The pencil was used in drawing the layouts and the idea development of the
project.
Plate 13: Ruler
Ruler: It is a straight metal or plastic material with markings on them. It was used in
taking measurements of the paper for the label and package.
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Plate-14: Pen drive
Pen drive: It is a device used to copy the art work from the computer to be printed. This
is shown in plate 10.
Plate 15: Card board
Cardboard: It serves as a substrate on which the final design was printed on. The
designs for the labels were also printed on photo paper. This is shown in plate 12.
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Plate 16: Tracing paper
Tracing paper: This is a light, transparent paper on which design are made. This was used during
the preparation of the screens.
Plate 17: Painting brushes
Painting brushes: Used to mix acrylic paint.
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Plate 18: Palette
Palette: A board or tray on which artist arranges and mixes paints.
Plate 19: Foam
Foam: This was used to wash the screens.
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Plate 20: Squeegee
Squeegee: It is a rubber blade with a handle attached, used to “pull” printing ink across a screen
to effect impressions
Plate 21: Glass cleaner
Glass cleaner: This is a liquid substance that is sprayed on glass before wiping it with a
fabric to clean.
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Plate 22: Paper tape
Paper tape: An adhesive paper used to tape material. It was used during framing of the
work.
Plate 23: Frame
Frame: A structure that surrounds or encloses a particular space
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Plate 24: Colour mount
Colour mount: Coloured paper used during framing to enhance the work.
Plate 25: Frame with mount
Frame with mount: This was done to test the beauty of the work.
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DRAWING STAGES
1. Sketches were developed on a paper, with the size, A3 using brushes and acrylic as the
pigment, an illustration was produce on paper.
2. Colour was added to the drawing.
The illustration was scanned using a scanner, and was transferred into a computer.
Software, a computer program used in operating a computer, named CorelDraw was used
to achieve the needed appearance of the picture.
3. The scanned picture was converted to traced bitmap. Line Art was selected, the image
was separated into various colours composing the image.
4. Command was given and the image was printed out with a printer as shown in plate
26.
Plate 26: Computer printed image
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Colour Separation
Tracing paper was placed on the printed image and each colour was marked out. This
was repeated with each colour on a separate tracing paper. Registration marks were used.
This enabled precise positioning of elements during printing.
.
Plate 26: Inking and marking the image on tracing paper
Preparing the Screen
Step 1:
Mesh was fixed onto a wooden frame with a staple gun. (See Plate 27)
Plate 27: Stapling the mesh onto the wooden frame
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Step 2: Coating the screen
One side of the screen was coated with photo emulsion using a coating trough and dried
in a dark room.
Step 3: Developing the Screens.
a. Designs produced on the tracing paper were placed on the developing table in a
darkroom.
b. Dried, coated screens were placed on the tracing paper, with the open side up.
c. Light inside the developing table were switched on for screens to develop.
The screens were washed with foam and water to reveal the designs on them.
Plate 28: Placing the screens on developing table.
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Plate 29: Washing the screen with foam and water.
The screens were washed with water and form to reveal the designs.as shown in plate 29.
Screens were dried and made ready for printing.
SCREEN PRINTING
Step1:
The screen was placed on the paper (substrate) with the guide of the registration marks.
See Plate: 30.
Plate 30: Screen placed on paper.
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Step 2:
The acrylic paint was poured on one side of the screen and then pulled to the other with a
squeegee to make the impression. This is shown in Plate 31.
Plate 31: Pulling ink from one side to the other.
The process was repeated with each colour, one after the other. An interval of twenty
minutes was allowed for each screen to dry properly before a next printing was made.
Stages of Printing
Plate 32: First stage of print
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Plate 33: A develop stage of print
Plate 34: Print of additional colours
After all the colours were printed, the work was framed.
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FRAMING
Stages for framing
Step 1:
1. Strawboard was measured to 45×57cm and cut with a knife.
2. Acrylic colour was mixed with water to the required consistency.
3. A brush was used to paint the strawboard.
4. A set square, ruler and pen were used to cut the middle portion of the strawboard.
5. A knife was used to cut the middle portion of the strawboard to serve as a mount.
Plate 35: Mixing the acrylic colours
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Plate 36: Painting the mount
Plate 37: Marking the mount
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Plate 38: Cutting the mount
Step 2:
1. The mount was placed on the serigraph.
2. The glass was sprayed with a glass cleaner to lift off dirt, and wiped with a soft
fabric.
3. The frame was inverted.
4. The glass was placed in it.
5. The mounted serigraph was placed in it.
6. Strawboard was placed on it and fixed onto the frame.
7. A paper tape was used to line the frame edges.
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Plate 39: Placing the mount on serigraph
Plate 40: Spraying the glass
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Plate 41: The framed serigraph
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APPRECIATION OF THE WORK
The project is a serigraph depicting a landscape composition, comprising houses, foliage
and figures. The size of the work is 26×38cm.
The elements used in the composition are four shelters represented in patches of colours,
tress such as plantain and coconut, seen against a blue sky as a background. The four
figures included in the composition are positioned almost at the bottom centre of the
serigraph. Some of the colours found in it are shades of green, blue, yellow, red, brown
and pink. Blues, greens and pink dominate the work.
Design elements used in the work include lines of all kinds; those that are bused to
represent the tress and poles, supporting the roofs of the houses. Warm and cool colours
are used to represent cast shadows of the items, and other objects found in the work.
Warm colour such as red was used at the bottom portion of the work and blues, a cool
colour for the sky. This was used to show perspective in the work. Texture was expressed
by means of how the colours and shapes were positioned.
Some of the principles of design were also used in organizing the various elements found
in the work. This was done by using tints and shades of colours. For example, red and
pink, light and dark greens etc. this was well facilitated harmony.
Also, during framing, a dark green with a yellow inner lining was chosen to conform to
those used for the work.
Contrast was used by introducing light colours verses dark ones; small shapes verses
large shapes, simple and complex shapes.
Balance was maintained by lining up structures of similar sizes across the picture.
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CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
4.1 Summary
Screen printing is a printmaking technique in which the artist transfers the design onto
another surface through a screen. Series of experiments has revealed that a threedimensional representation of forms on a flat surface is possible with screen, though
tedious.
4.2 Conclusions
From the research conducted, it is clearly noticed that screen printing is possible to give
three- dimensional effects to forms.
Based on the artist‟s personal interest, the same screens can be used to reproduce works
with different colour schemes.
4.3 Recommendations
In order to improve upon screen printing techniques, the researcher recommends that, the
department of graphics, Takoradi Polytechnic should publish this project to help in the
teaching and learning of screen printing.
The Polytechnic should organise workshops relating to this project for all the graphics
lectures and the researcher be made the resource person.
The syllabus for the polytechnic graphic design course should be reviewed, ensuring that
the method of screen printing the researcher used should be included.
The government should ensure the provision of useful resources learning materials and
textbooks for the teaching and learning screen printing.
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Lectures and students should be supported to embark on educational tours abroad to
familiarise themselves with the working method of printing abroad.
Invariably, such trips will unveil more screen printing techniques.
A library of video tapes documenting screen printing techniques as processed by the
research would be of benefit.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Amenuke et al (1991:106) General knowledge in Art, Afrique publications Ltd, - Accra
Ghana
Baired et al (1987:208) The Graphics of Communication, Holt, Renehart, Winston, New
York
Laurie S Adams (1999:617) Art Across Time, McGraw Hill, NY USA.
Katz Elizabeth et al (1999:182) Themes& Foundations of Art, National Text book
Company, Illinois, USA.
Kwaku Ameyaw-Benneh (2004:78) Graphic Design for SSS with simple questions,
perfect press, Kumasi
Mark Getlien (2002:178) McGraw Hill, NY USA
Mittler Regans (1991:34) Exploring Art, Macmillan Mission Hills, USA.
M S Encarta Encyclopedia Standard (2004)
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Takoradi Polytechnic
School of Applied Arts
Department of Graphics
QUESTIONAIRE
TOPIC: AN EXPERIMENTAL MULTI-COLOUR SERIGRAPH
(BINEY‟S TECHNIQUE)
Tick the appropriate answer
Male
Female
Give clear and concise answer
1. What is serigraph?
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
2. What are some of the tools and materials for making a serigraphy?
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
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………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Describe briefly the method or steps in producing a serigraph.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
4. Have you ever tried producing a multi-colour serigraph?
Yes
No
If yes, how many colour serigraphs have you ever produced?
One
Two
Three
Four or more
5. Have you ever tried a multi-colour serigraph that covers the entire space?
Yes
No
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