Printmaking
Printmaking
Linocut Printing
Linocut printing is a relief printmaking technique that involves carving an image into a sheet of linoleum using special carving tools. While carving it is important to carefully remove the negative areas of the design, leaving the positive areas raised. Once the carving is complete, ink is rolled onto the raised surface of the linoleum block. The inked block is then pressed against paper, either by hand or using a printing press, transferring the image to create the linocut print.
Reduction Printing
Reduction printing is a relief printmaking technique that creates multi-colored images using a single block. The process begins by carving away the areas that will remain the color of the paper, then inking and printing the lightest color. After printing, more of the block is carved away to remove areas meant to stay that color, and the next, usually darker, color is printed over the previous layer. This cycle of carving and printing continues for each additional color, with the block being further "reduced" each time. Because the block is altered after each layer, it is impossible to recreate earlier stages, making every reduction print edition unique and final.
Multi-Block Printing
Multi-block printing is a relief printmaking technique that uses multiple carved blocks-typically one for each color in the design-to create a layered, multi-colored image. The process begins by planning the design and separating it into color areas, then transferring the outlines for each color onto separate blocks of linoleum. Each block is carefully carved to print only the areas for its specific color, ensuring that the blocks align perfectly through a process called registration. During printing, each block is inked with its designated color and pressed onto the same sheet of paper in sequence, building up the final image layer by layer. This method allows for clean, vibrant colors and the flexibility to reprint or adjust individual layers, making it a versatile approach for producing multi-colored prints
Printing and rolling with an ombre of colors involves blending the different inks directly on the roller or brayer before applying them to the printing block. The inks are placed side by side on a palette and gently rolled together, creating smooth transitions between each color. When the roller is passed over the block, it transfers the gradient, or ombre, effect onto the surface. Printing with this technique results in a vibrant, seamless blend of colors across the final print, adding depth and visual interest to the artwork. In this case it is used to create the sense of a summer sunset.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving for printmaking is a relief technique that uses a laser engraver to etch an image into a block, such as wood or linoleum, instead of carving by hand. The digital design is uploaded to the laser engraver, which precisely burns away the negative areas, leaving the positive areas raised. Once engraving is complete, ink is rolled onto the raised surface of the block. The inked block is then pressed onto paper, either by hand or with a printing press, transferring the image to create a print.