A great way to create multiples of an image is by screenprinting. In this post we'll create a screen of a vintage "Utrecht Linens" logo that can be screened onto t-shirts, aprons or canvas bags. The easiest way to get started is with a screen printing kit, it will have everything you need to create your image either through the photo emulsion process or by drawing the  image directly on the screen. 

In order to achieve a vintage weathered look we've chosen to draw our image directly onto the screen with a brush and drawing fluid. We used push pins to elevate the screen while painting it (remember the screen is mesh, you don't want the fluid seeping through to your image, they'll get stuck together!).

Now that the image is painted on it's time to add the screen filler. The area that is painted is the area where ink will be able to get through to transfer your image.

Cover the image in one pass, then use the excess filler to cover the areas of the screen that do not have the image. Make sure there are no puddles of screen filler and return the extra to the jar. Now you want to let this dry before washing out the drawing fluid.

Here is the screen before and after rinsing. We used a traditional sink sprayer, a hose will work too. Anything that can provide enough water pressure to wash out the drawing fluid. Allow the screen to dry then tape up the edges to prevent any ink getting through gaps that may exist.

We put another image on this screen for another project, since we don't want it to print we'll cover it with masking tape on the bottom of the screen (taping on the top, or printing side, of the screen will give you problems when applying ink). Now we're all set to print and can spoon on some of the ink.

Lift one edge of the screen so it's not making contact with your printing surface. Make a pass forward with the squeegee and one back to flood your image with ink. Now lay the screen flat on your printing surface.

Applying firm pressure make another pass with your squeegee. This forces the ink through the screen and results in the image transferring to your surface. Now you're ready to make an entire edition of shirts or fine art prints!

Many people wish to collect original artwork to hang and enjoy in their homes. This often comes with the hefty price tag of an original oil or acrylic painting or commisioned work of art.

A great way to collect original art in a less expensive manner is to seek out and purchase limited edition prints. This is the best of both worlds as you can get a signed original work, created by hand, that is very affordable due to the artist's ability to create and sell multiples.

Etchings, block prints, screen prints and lithographs are wonderful additions to any collection and can often be obtained for a fraction of the cost of an original painting. If you are intersted in starting a collection (or adding to one) prints are an excellent option for the cost-conscious collector!

Printmaker Chris Speakman grew up on the south shore of Massachusetts. He earned a degree in illustration from the University of Hartford's Art School in 1998. After working as a graphic designer for 9 years, Chris chose to devote his full time into his website, Sports Propaganda Art.  The site features original sports-themed screen prints that are heavily influenced by the propaganda posters of the 30's, 40's and 50's. In Chris's opinion the war-time posters capture simplicity in concept and graphic style as well as a strong "us" vs. "them" message.  The game of baseball seemed to lend itself to that style, as many teams have long histories and traditions. To Chris, the merger of the two areas seemed quite natural.

Hired by Dunkin Donuts in February of 2008 to create a series of Boston Red Sox propaganda posters, Chris got the approval from Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to use team logos and player images for these beautifully designed works of art. This led to the launch of sportspropaganda.com, starting mostly with Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies prints and constantly expanding to other Major League cities.

Chris designs and illustrates each image "by hand" in Adobe Illustrator, and then outputs the separate layers onto a transparency.  From there he uses photo emulsion on a fine mesh screen and transfers the image with a heat lamp. Each color is shot on a different screen and then aligned during printing. The results are striking limited edition posters that impress the
sports fan and art collector alike.

Click here for a step by step on screen printing at home!

Click here to see more of Chris' prints.