Pop Art Teacher Guide Ink Revolution
Screen Printing Sequence | Lesson 1
Teacher Resource
Pop Art & Repetition
Lesson Summary
Students examine the works of Andy Warhol and Corita Kent to discuss how repetition affects meaning. They design a high-contrast graphic image intended for multiple iterations, simplifying complex forms into printable shapes.
Essential Questions
How does the ability to mass-produce an image change its artistic value?
In what ways can repetition be used as a tool for social or political commentary?
Materials
High-contrast photographs
Tracing paper or lightboxes
Black markers (Sharpies)
Sketchbooks
"Ink Revolution" Slides
The Lesson Flow
1
The Hook: Soup Can Debate (10 mins)
Display a slide with a single Campbell's soup can next to Warhol's grid of 32 cans. Ask: "If a computer prints this, is it still art? Why is a wall of cans different than one?"
2
Artist Study: Warhol & Kent (15 mins)
Introduce Andy Warhol (commercial repetition) and Corita Kent (activism through screen printing). Focus on Graphic Simplification : reducing an image to just 2 or 3 solid colors.
3
Workshop: Simplifying the Subject (20 mins)
Students select a reference photo and use tracing paper to isolate the darkest values. They must ensure there are no "floating islands" (closed loops that would fall out of a paper stencil) unless they plan to use drawing fluid later.
4
Gallery Walk & Preview (5 mins)
Briefly share simplified designs. Preview Lesson 2: Turning these shapes into physical masks.
Key Concept: High Contrast
Explain that screen printing is binary: either ink goes through or it doesn't. Gradients are achieved through halftones (dots), which we'll skip for now—stick to solid shapes.
Common Pitfall
Students often try to include too much detail. Remind them: if they can't cut it out with an X-Acto knife later, it's too small!
Pop Art Repetition Slides Ink
Revolution
Lesson 1: Pop Art & Repetition
Is this Art?
[Image: 1 Can]
Option A: The Original
Option B: The Repeat
"Why is a wall of 100 cans different than just one?"
Andy
Warhol
Believed art should be for everyone (mass market).
Used Screen Printing to make hundreds of versions of the same image.
Turned everyday objects (soup cans, celebrities) into high art.
[Warhol Pop Art Grid Image]
[Corita Kent Sister Mary Art]
Corita
Kent
Used repetition for social change and activism.
Combined text and graphic shapes.
Proved screen printing is the "people's medium" because it's cheap and fast.
How to Simplify
Photo
1. Start with a clear subject.
2. Isolate SHADOWS (Black) and HIGHLIGHTS (White).
The Rule:
If you can't cut it out of paper in one piece, it's too complex!
Watch out for "Floating Islands" (holes that fall out).
Graphic Simplifier Worksheet Graphic Simplifier
Pop Art Project Planning
Artist Name
Date
Objective
Convert your chosen image into a two-tone graphic design . Screen printing works best with solid shapes. Think in "Inky Areas" (Black) and "Paper Areas" (White).
1 Reference Sketch
Quickly sketch your subject here. Focus on the overall shape (silhouette).
2 Value Mapping
Isolate the shadows. Use a black marker to fill in ONLY the darkest parts.
Watch out for Floating Islands!
In a paper stencil, if you cut a circle (like the center of an 'O'), it will fall out because nothing is holding it to the rest of the paper.
Fall!
Bad (Floating)
Good (Bridged)
Check your design:
Are all "White" areas connected?
Or, are all "Black" areas connected?
Can you draw a path from any part to the edge?
Repetition Intent:
If you printed this image 50 times on a wall, what message would it send to the viewer?
Stencils and Masks Teacher Guide The Blockout
Screen Printing Sequence | Lesson 2
Teacher Resource
Stencils & Masks
Lesson Objective
Transitioning from digital/paper design to a physical screen. Students learn to use paper stencils for large shapes and drawing fluid/filler for fine details.
Safety & Setup
X-Acto knives: Always cut AWAY from the body. Use a self-healing mat.
Drawing fluid: Apply thinly; thick globs will never dry.
Screen Taping: Use 2-inch masking tape or packing tape on ALL four edges.
Methods Compared
Method Pros Cons Paper Stencil Fast, crisp large shapes. Hard to do fine lines; fragile. Drawing Fluid Detailed, organic lines. Needs drying time; hard to wash.
"The screen is a fence. The stencil is the locked gate."
Teacher Demo Script
The "Magic Trick" Hook
Place a screen on top of a simple paper cutout of a heart. Do NOT tape it. Pull one print with ink. Lift the screen—the paper heart is now stuck to the mesh via the ink's suction. This demonstrates how the screen "holds" the mask in place without glue.
Screen Prep Step-by-Step
Check for mesh holes.
Tape edges (The "Well").
Position stencil on the flat side (substrate side) of the screen.
Adhere with light spray mount or let the ink do the work.
Troubleshooting
Wrinkled Paper: Stencil was too thin. Use 20lb paper minimum.Leaking Edges: Missed a spot with the tape. Check corners!Fluid not drying: Use a hairdryer on low heat.
Pro-Tip: Remind students that whatever they see as OPEN MESH will be INK . Whatever is COVERED will be PAPER . This inversion often confuses 8th graders.
Stencils and Masks Slides The
Blockout
Lesson 2: Stencils & Masks
Screen Logic
1
The Mesh is a Hole . Ink wants to go through.
2
The Stencil is a Wall . It blocks the ink.
3
The Result: Ink only goes where the mesh is exposed .
[Illustration: Cross-section of screen]
REVERSE THINKING:
Paper Stencils
Best for:
Large, bold shapes.
Graphic silhouettes.
Fast setup (no drying time).
The Secret Tech:
You don't even need tape or glue! The suction of the wet ink will hold the paper to the screen once you pull your first print.
Drawing Fluid
Best for:
Fine lines and handwriting.
Textured, "painterly" edges.
Details that are too small to cut.
The Danger Zone:
It must be 100% DRY before you print. If it's tacky, it will stick to your paper and ruin the mesh!
DEMO TIME
1. Taping the Edges
2. Cutting the Stencil
3. Mounting the Mask
Gather around the printing station!
Screen Prep Checklist Handout Screen Ready
Prep & Maintenance Checklist
Printer Name
Pre-Print Checklist
Tape the "Well": All 4 inner edges covered?
Block the "Light": Any holes outside the stencil?
Check Side: Is stencil on the FLAT side (underside)?
Orientation: Is your image upside down? (It should be!)
Fluid Dry: No shiny/wet spots on the mesh?
Pro-Tip: Tension
The tighter your screen, the crisper the print. If your mesh feels like a wet trampoline, tell your teacher! We might need to adjust your tape or frame.
Stencil Strategy
My Main Method:
Paper Cutout
Drawing Fluid
My Stencil Map:
[Sketch your stencil layout here]
*Label which parts are negative space (ink) and which are positive space (blocked).
Clean Up
Screens are expensive! Never let ink dry in the mesh. Scrub with cool water and a soft sponge. No metal scrapers!
Squeegee Mechanics Teacher Guide The Perfect Pull
Screen Printing Sequence | Lesson 3
Teacher Resource
Squeegee Mechanics
Angle
The squeegee should be at a 45-degree angle . Too steep (90°) and you scrape the ink away; too shallow (20°) and you push too much ink through, causing bleeds.
Pressure
Consistent, firm pressure is key. The sound of a good pull is a crisp "zip" or tearing sound as the mesh snaps away from the substrate.
Speed
Smooth, even speed. If you hesitate mid-print, you'll leave a "stop line" or a ghosting effect on the final image.
The Workflow
1 The Flood Stroke
Goal: Load the mesh with ink without touching the paper.
Lift the screen off the table.
Use light pressure to pull ink across the image.
The image area should look "wet" with ink.
2 The Print Stroke
Goal: Force ink through onto the paper.
Lower screen onto the table.
45° angle, firm pressure, "ZIP" sound.
Pull toward your body in one motion.
Troubleshooting Guide
Problem: Blurred / Bleeding Edges
Cause: Too much ink (too many pulls) or poor off-contact. The screen isn't snapping back fast enough.
Problem: Faint / Patchy Image
Cause: Not enough pressure or dry ink clogging the mesh. Try a "cleaning pull" on a scrap sheet.
Lesson 3 Simulation Hook: Have students practice the 45° angle on the desk with a dry squeegee first.
Physics of Printing: Angle + Pressure = Permeability
Squeegee Mechanics Slides The
Perfect Pull
Lesson 3: Squeegee Mechanics
The Holy Trinity
Angle
45 Degrees is the "Magic Spot."
Pressure
Listen for the "ZIP" sound!
Speed
Smooth & Constant. Never stop mid-pull.
Master the 45°
Too Steep (90°)
Scrapes the screen bare. No ink goes through. Image looks "thirsty."
Just Right (45°)
Forces a controlled amount of ink through the mesh. Crisp edges!
Too Shallow (15°)
Pushes too much ink. Causes "Bleeding" and blurred lines.
[Squeegee Angle Diagram]
The Secret Sauce
1. The Flood
Screen LIFTED. Light pressure. This fills the mesh with ink so it doesn't dry out.
Do this before every single print!
2. The Print
Screen DOWN. Hard pressure. 45-degree angle.
One smooth pull toward your belly.
Fail Analysis
?
Bleeding Edges
You pulled twice! (Never double-pull). Or you didn't "Flood" properly.
?
Faint/Missing Parts
Weak pressure. You were too scared of the "ZIP" sound. Push harder!
"Respect the Squeegee, Respect the Print."
Squeegee Lab Log Sheet The Squeegee Lab
Technical Performance Log
Print Tech Name
Instruction: Conduct 3 test pulls. Change ONE variable for each.
Variable A: Angle Variable B: Pressure
Trial Setup (What did you change?) Results (Crisp? Faint? Bleeding?) 1 2 3
Self-Assessment
Circle the sound of your most successful pull:
THUD
(Too Flat)
ZIP!
(Perfect)
SCRAPE
(Too Steep)
Reflect
Looking at Trial #3, what adjustment will you make for your final production run on Lesson 4?
Efficiency Check: Did you flood before every pull? If not, why?
Alternative Surfaces Teacher Guide Beyond Paper
Screen Printing Sequence | Lesson 4
Teacher Resource
Textiles & Heat
Lesson Goal
Moving beyond the controlled surface of paper to textiles (t-shirts, tote bags) and alternative substrates. Students must adapt their ink volume and pressure for fabric absorption.
New Materials
Fabric Ink: Thicker than paper ink, slower drying.Platen/Board: Inserted inside shirts to prevent bleed.Heat Press / Iron: For "curing" the ink.
Printing Comparison
Feature Printing on Paper Printing on Fabric Absorption Low (Ink sits on top). High (Ink soaks in). Pressure Medium (Just enough to snap). Heavy (Push ink into fibers). Drying Air dry (20-60 mins). Heat-set required (320°F). Ink Type Water-based acrylic. Fabric-specific or Plastisol.
The Cure (Heat Setting)
If you don't heat-set the ink, it will wash right out in the laundry. This is the most common student disappointment!
Method A: Heat Press
320°F for 30-45 seconds. High pressure. Best for professional results.
Method B: Hand Iron
Highest setting (No Steam). Iron for 2-3 mins per side. Move constantly.
Lesson 4 Hook: Compare a "Crunchy" factory shirt vs. a soft "Water-based" print.
Safety Note: Ensure proper ventilation during heat setting.
Alternative Surfaces Slides Beyond
Paper
Lesson 4: Textile Printing
The Material Shift
Paper
Smooth, non-porous. Ink sits on top. Needs light-to-medium pressure. Dries by evaporation.
Fabric
Textured, porous fibers. Ink soaks in. Needs heavy pressure. Dries by heat-setting .
Don't
Bleed!
If you print on a shirt without a barrier, the ink will soak through to the BACK of the shirt.
"Always insert a shirt board or cardboard before you print."
[Diagram: Cardboard inside Shirt]
Heat Setting
Why?
Fabric ink is designed to "lock" into the fibers when it hits a specific temperature (usually 320°F). Without this, the image will disappear in the first wash.
How?
Heat Press (Best)
Household Iron (High Heat)
Hairdryer (Not recommended!)
Choose Your Surface
T-Shirt
Cotton or Blend
Tote Bag
Canvas
Cardboard
Recycled Flat
Go to your stations!
Surface Scout Log Sheet Surface Scout
Textile Printing Experiment Log
Artist Name
Identify how your graphic simplifications from Lesson 1 behave when printed on different textures. You are looking for the "Hand Feel" (how thick the ink feels) and "Opacity" (how well it covers the surface).
Substrate (Surface) Pressure Applied Results & Texture Cotton Fabric (Shirt) Canvas (Tote Bag) Student Choice (Wood, Cardboard, etc.)
Heat Set Verification
Ink is dry to the touch?
Temp Reached: ________ °F
Duration: ________ Seconds
Note: If using an iron, double the time and apply heavy pressure.
The "Hand Feel" Scale
How does the print feel on the fabric? (Circle one)
SOFTHAND (Fibers visible)
MID-WEIGHT
PLASTICY (Thick shell)
Attach a small swatch of your test fabric print here (if applicable).
Print Exchange Teacher Guide The Market Floor
Screen Printing Sequence | Lesson 5
Teacher Resource
Print Exchange & Critique
Lesson Summary
The culmination of the unit. Students trade their prints in a simulated "Market Exchange," curated their peer collection, and participate in a formal critique focused on technical execution and conceptual repetition.
Essential Question
"How does the act of exchanging art change our relationship to it? Does having multiple copies make it more or less valuable?"
The Exchange Mechanics
1
Curate the Edition
Students select their 5 BEST prints. They must sign and number them (e.g., 1/5, 2/5). These are their "currency."
2
The Trading Floor 10 MINS
Set a timer. Students move around the room. They must trade their prints with at least 3 different peers. No two prints in their final collection should be the same.
3
Curation & Display
Students mount their collected prints on a large sheet of paper or board for final presentation.
Technical Critique
Analyze the Registration (is the image centered?).
Identify Ink Density (is the color consistent?).
Note the Edge Quality (crisp vs. blurred).
Conceptual Critique
How did the subject change from Lesson 1 to the final print?
What happens when we see 20 different versions of this subject together?
Does the repetition enhance or dilute the original message?
Grading Suggestion: Grade on the consistency of the print edition, not just one lucky print.
Pop Art Philosophy: "Art is what you can get away with." — Andy Warhol
Print Exchange Slides The Market
Floor
Lesson 5: The Print Exchange
The Tradition
Artists have traded prints for centuries to share ideas, spread messages, and build collections without spending money.
Repetition = Distribution
Community
Professional Curation
The Signature
Always sign in Pencil . Why? Pencil is harder to forge and doesn't bleed through the paper.
The Numbering:
1 / 5
This means: "Print #1 out of a total set of 5."
Lower numbers aren't "better," but the total number tells people how rare the art is.
The Exchange Game
Phase 1: Prep
Sign and number your 5 best prints. Lay them out on your desk.
Phase 2: Trade
Walk around. Find art you love. Offer your print in exchange.Be polite!
Phase 3: Curate
Go back to your desk with your new collection. Arrange them for display.
Ready... Set... TRADE!
Reflect
Whose simplified design was the most effective? Why?
What was the hardest technical challenge of the whole unit?
"How did making copies change your view of your original idea?"
Critique Cards Worksheet Critique Cards
Peer Feedback & Evaluation
Curator Name
Instructions: Choose one artist's collection to analyze deeply.
Artist Profile
Name of Artist
Project Title / Theme
Technical Score
Ink Consistency
Edge Crispness
Edition Uniformity
The "Pop" Analysis
How did this artist use repetition effectively?
[Write your conceptual feedback here...]
One "Glow" & One "Grow"
What shines in this work?
Where can the technique improve?
My Curated Portfolio Reflection
Look at the 3 prints you received in the exchange. What connects them? Is there a new theme that emerged in your collection?
Printmaking is the Art of the People
