PRINTMAKING- LINO CUTS

St. Peter’s Junior High

What is printmaking?

Printmaking is a process for producing a work of art using printing ink. The work of art (called a print) is created indirectly, through the transfer of ink from the plate to paper.

The artist determines how many prints are to be made in an edition, usually signing and numbering each.

There are several different types of printmaking- wood-cuts, lithography, screen-print..etc. We will be looking at a type of relief printmaking called linoleum.

So how do you do it?

Step 1: Create your design

Any subject- patterns, logos, animals, faces, flowers,

trees…etc.

Draw in the space on the sheet provided.

The end product will be a monochromatic print (one

colour and white), so keep that in mind when choosing a

design.

Shade in the dark areas

Pay attention to the composition of the design in the

space provided.

Before you start designing, here are

some samples of the finished product…

More design ideas....

Other ink colours available are: red,

green, blue, brown, yellow and white.

Creating your Image

Draw your lino design in the space.

Shade in dark areas/ thicken lines.

Retrace lines with charcoal pencil.

Step 2: Transfer design to lino block

Cut out rectangle and pick up a blank lino block

Tape design rectangle FACE DOWN on the lino block.

Using a pencil, rub the back of the drawing as hard as

you can, covering the whole surface. Be careful to not

rip or move the sheet!!

When finished, carefully remove the paper- the design

will be transferred to the lino!

Retrace lines with a Sharpie (this is an essential step- do

not skip it!)

Prep for Transferring Image

Transferring Image

Lay face down on

lino block. Tape to block and table.

Pressing hard, shade in

entire back of picture,

INCLUDING taped area.

Transferring Image

DONE! Remove picture.

Mirror image should be

transferred to lino. Fill in any

missing areas if need be.

Step 3: Carving

Pick up a bench hook, lino cutter and blade of your

choice.

Inserting blades

The part of the blade that says

“Speedball” goes here.

Unscrew top slightly, then insert

blade until it stops. Screw tight

again. You are ready to carve!

Step 3 Continued....

Positive method:

Start carving out the WHITE areas. Leave the DARK areas

alone- DO NOT CUT.

Negative method:

Start carving out the DARK lines/areas. Leave the WHITE

areas along- DO NOT CUT.

Carving the Lino Block

Place index finger on rough

part of handle. Hold blade

parallel to lino block and

apply even pressure.

For positive method, carve away LIGHT

areas. Leave dark areas untouched.

Final carved lino block.

**This block was carved on a

different lino block and

printed. The red is leftover

ink.**

SAFETY TIPS:

ALWAYS cut away from yourself

Be aware of where your fingers are at any given time

DO NOT force the blade- try to take less off at the

time.

Hold the cutter properly, as shown in class.

Move the plate instead of the blade

Take frequent breaks, especially if you are frustrated!

Inform me if you cut yourself.

Step 4: Printing

When block is done, sign up to print. First come, first

serve.

When I call your names, come up with your lino block

and an apron on- this stuff is permanent!!

You need to print at least three pictures on paper, using

the same colour.

Watch the video below to show you how to print!

How to Print a Lino-Cut