Linocut, or lino print, is a fascinating relief printing technique where you create a design on a piece of linoleum. At its core, you carve a design into a linoleum block, roll block printing ink on it and print it on paper. This simple process allows artists to create unique prints.
The Basic Process Explained
Linocut is a type of block printing, similar to woodcut, but using linoleum. The areas you carve away from the linoleum block will not receive ink, while the raised areas will. This creates the image when printed.
Here's a breakdown of the fundamental steps:
- Design: An artist first creates a design. Since linocut is a relief print, the printed image will be a mirror image of the carving on the block.
- Transfer: The design is transferred onto the linoleum block. Sometimes this is done by drawing directly on the block or transferring a drawing.
- Carving: Using specialized carving tools (often called gouges), the artist carefully removes areas of the linoleum. The parts left untouched will form the image.
- Inking: Once the carving is complete, block printing ink is applied to the surface of the linoleum block using a roller (often called a brayer). Only the raised areas receive ink.
- Printing: The inked block is then pressed firmly onto paper. This pressure transfers the ink from the raised areas of the block onto the paper, creating the print. This can be done by hand, using a barren (a smooth, flat tool), or a printing press.
- Drying: The printed paper is then left to dry.
Key Steps in Linocut
Understanding the stages helps grasp how the final image emerges:
- Preparation: Sketching the design and transferring it to the block.
- Subtraction: Carving away the negative space – the parts you don't want to print.
- Addition: Applying ink to the remaining positive space (the design).
- Transfer: Pressing the block onto the printing surface (paper, fabric, etc.).
Why Linocut?
Linocut is popular due to several factors:
- Accessibility: Linoleum is softer and easier to carve than wood, making it more approachable for beginners.
- Smooth Texture: It typically produces a smooth print texture compared to the grain found in woodcuts.
- Versatility: Can be used for simple line work or complex multi-color prints.
Step-by-Step Summary Table
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Carve | Remove areas of the linoleum block | Un-inked (white) areas on the final print |
| 2. Ink | Roll ink onto the raised surface | Ink covers the positive design area |
| 3. Print | Press inked block onto paper | Ink transfers from block to paper |
| 4. Dry | Allow the printed image to cure | Permanent print is created |
Essentially, the linocut process relies on the principle of relief printing – what is cut away doesn't print, and what is left raised holds the ink to create the image.
