Linoleum block printing or “linocut” printmaking is an incredible kind of printmaking in which the artist utilizes elementary apparatus. The attraction here is that linoleum block printing can be done with very little preparation and is ideal for novice artists, and intermediate and advanced artists who think that lino cutting is the only way to go. All you need is several simple items and a desire to create – if you have some imagination and passion, you will be able to create numerous works of art using simple products. In this blog, I want to talk you through the basics of linoleum block printing and provide you with inspiration for lino printing across various surfaces.
Linoleum block printing commonly known as linocut is a kind of relief technique in printmaking. An artist takes a hard material, preferably linoleum, and then cuts into it to form a pattern, known as the block, which on being inked is placed on paper or fabric, and an impression is taken. This method was brought to fame by various artists such as Pablo Picasso and has become everyone’s favorite when it comes to making quality and textured art prints. The peculiarity of this technique is in its simplicity and availability; with proper training, and trial and error, one can convert mere laminated flooring into exquisite prints.
Oh, and if you’re new to linocut printmaking, do not fret, it’s much less complicated than it appears. Read this post to start: all about gathering the materials and creating your first lino print.
List of the Materials Required for Linoleum Block Printing
Begin from the idea, and for those who are new to this kind of work, make simple drawings on paper. When finished, lay the design onto the linoleum block. Always bear in mind that your print will come out backward, to get around this any text has to be reversed.
Using a pencil, you can directly or use carbon paper to trace the design onto the block. This is because when you are learning how to use lino print, intricate details are a bit hard to carve, thus the easiness is achieved by ensuring that your lines are thick and shapes clear.
It is recommended to start with a V-shaped gouge to create thin lines while creating wider areas can be done using U-shaped gouges. Don’t forget, all the areas you cut out are carved away from the block will remain white (if you are using paper or fabric) and vice versa.
Do it slowly; the slower you are with carving, the finer your final print will be. It’s time-consuming – one of the most important tips on the first part of linocut for beginners that I’d like to highlight.
Dip the roller into the color and then spread a little ink on your working surface, and roll over it so that it has an even coat. Spread the ink on the linoleum block in a very thin narrow layer so that you will be able to see the design through it. You may have to practice this a few times to get it right because using too much ink creates smudges while using too little may not fully cover your design.
Afterward, you should carefully put your inked linoleum block on your selected paper or fabric then press firmly. Often a baren is used, which is a tool exclusively used for pressing, but hands are also effective when used. Raise the paper slightly and in the case of fabric, use the tongs to pull it slowly exposing your print. This I must say is one of the most rewarding parts of lino printing as it unveils the whole picture.
Linoleum Block Printing is one of the ageless and loved arts that are captivating for many artists these days. Ease of Design: As compared to many other art forms that require a certain application of fancy tools, design on Linoleum Block Printing is easier, especially for first-time users or beginners.
After mastering the basic skills, the art of linocut printmaking is nearly inexhaustive with ways through which one can further practice. Here are some ideas to inspire your next project:
Linoleum block printing on fabric is an interesting idea for embellishing fabrics including tote bags, pillowcases, or T-shirts. Make sure that you use fabric ink because it will not fade once it is washed. Opt for geometrics or botanical prints which give a great print look with a little effort.
Chalk a victory to the experienced artists who want to give their work a dimension, it is possible to create a multi-colored print using multiple blocks. It looks like each of the blocks is carved with a different part of the design and each layer is printed one by one giving it a different color, and so gives you rich, layered print.
Linoleum block prints are incredibly effective home décor products. As an art piece, for interior decorations, make prints on heavily thick paper then you can frame them to hang on the wall. Instead, develop fabric gift covers, greeting cards or embellishments for journals either block printed or handwritten.
Try to score textures into the linoleum block for a more complex appearance. If you have a fully developed image and extra carving would distract from the primary image, then you can choose cross-hatching, dot, or wavy line carving to give extra depth to your print.
The more you practice carving and printing, the less difficult and nerve-racking it will become. Lino print should begin with simple prints and progress through the development of more complicated designs.
Just mixing different colors of ink and overlaying patterns can change the look of your designs. You can also experiment with gradients on your roller of two inks or utilize various inks on different parts of the block to make color splashes.
It is important to maintain your carving tools so that they produce clean cuts to the wood. Clean your tools after each use to help maintain them and be keen on replacing their blades more often.
The smooth paper texture will not give as rich a feel as rough or textured paper texture when the print is complete. If you want to create a rough look you may print on textured or handmade paper; whereas, if you want a glossy look, you may print with glossy paper. Additional items for linoleum block printing, for example, specialty inks can also offer different finishes such as metallic or matt.
When it comes to creating linocuts, using good-quality materials will give you much better results as you progress. Ensure carving tools have a good grip because detailed models could consume much time. The easy-cut linoleum is best suited for starting artists while the harder blocks will yield better details when using the technique.
For inks, there are oil-based inks, these inks will produce richer colors and are good to use, but they are messy and take time to clean up, water-based inks for them you merely have to wash them with water. Further, properly selected and purchased high-quality roller or brayer assists in putting an even ink layer which prevents blotchy prints.
New to linocut is a kind of simple technique in producing art without many materials, thus is among the simplest print-making techniques. What makes the use of linoleum block printing relatively easy as compared to methods such as etching or lithography is that it has its scope for experimenting. Printing with very general lino cuts does not take much practice and effort to create fantastic prints.
Final Thoughts: Linoleum Block Printing: Accept Your Creativity
Of all the graphic procedures, there is nothing like linoleum block printing that is as fulfilling as it is easy. Only a few tools are available all the time and it is only possible to make valuable home decoration gifts or fabric patterns. Regardless of whether this is your first time painting or not or attempting linocut printmaking – it allows the artist patience, creativity, and self-experimentation. Welcome this process, do not be shy of making mistakes – every print will be the unique representation of art. Well, grab your linocut printing material and equipment, choose a design, and begin carving ordinary materials into great art. Happy printing!
FAQ’s
To carve linoleum for block printing the following steps are followed, the designing stage involves drawing your design on the linoleum block. When carving, choose a carving gouge with a thinner edge if you want a thin, fine line and a larger gouge for wider areas. Position the tool at an angle and shave such parts that should not be printed or painted in black. Work slowly and carefully since you must shave around your body. Just remember that the parts not to be carved will be the ones to take ink and create the desired image. Next, your block is ready to be inked and printed, if you’re done with your carving.
For linoleum block printing the below should follow LPI, and to do that first, you have to carve your design on the linoleum block with carving tools. Exercising pressure on the carved block should spread ink using a roller (brayer). Gently rub the inked block on paper or fabric so that even pressure is exerted to produce the design. Put down the block to discover your print; re-ink and print as required.
To make a linoleum block print, first carve your design into a linoleum block with carving tools, removing areas you want to stay white. Roll ink evenly onto the carved block with a brayer, then press the block firmly onto paper or fabric. Lift carefully to reveal your print, and repeat the inking and printing process for additional prints.
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