Welcome back, printmaking nerds. Are you ready to embark on a new printmaking adventure? I hope you are because I am ready to experiment, fail, and learn something new alongside you!

I am not going to lie, it was nice to take a break for the last two weeks. I do feel recharged and ready to get back to the action. A super warm welcome to the 124 new members who joined the community last week!

In today’s issue:

• Yosemite Falls Print Drop

• What is Reduction Linocut?

• Reduction Linocut Week 1 - Class recap

Let’s dive in!

Yosemite Falls

Spring is here and to celebrate I am releasing my new Yosemite Falls print. I originally carved this block last year in preparation for the 2022 Obata Art Weekend to showcase during a demonstration.

Now it's available in the store! As Inkplate readers you get first dibs on all new work. Use Code: GGRPWMS for 15% OFF on this or any print from the shop!

What is Reduction Linocut?

Reduction linocut is a type of relief printmaking that uses a single block of linoleum or wood to create multiple color prints. With this technique you carve away the linoleum/wood in layers, each time printing the remaining areas with a different color. This process is repeated until the final layer is printed and the block is essentially destroyed.

Some people call this technique “suicide prints.” Either because they drive the artist crazy or because they “kill” the block in the process. If you ask me, that's a disturbing name.

Jokes aside, reduction linocuts is a challenging technique, but it can be very rewarding. It allows you to create complex and vibrant prints. The process also forces you to problem solve and think carefully about your design, as each layer of the print can only be added once.

I like to think of Reduction Linocut as a five step process:

1. Choose a design that can be divided into sections. Landscapes are an easy subject as there will always be a clear distinction between sky and land.

2. Carve away the areas that you do not want to print.

3. Ink the block and print it onto paper. Starter with light colors.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each color that you want to print.

5. Once you have printed all of the colors, you can finish the print by adding a dark foreground color.

I know that breaking down the technique into five steps might seem too simple, but it really can be that easy. However, if you need a little bit of help creating your reduction linocut then don’t worry I got you! With a little practice, you can create prints that will impress your friends and family.

Reduction Linocut Week 1 - Thinking in Layers

After a two week break, Brandon and I are back with a new class! Thank you so much to Speedball for making it possible! If you were not able to watch the class, you can watch it here.

We started the class by giving a quick explanation of what a reduction linocut print is via a couple shows and tells. You can view this video, where I show a quick process of El Capitan print.

A reduction print can be done with either wood or linoleum. One of the advantages of wood is that you can incorporate the wood grain into your print. These unique textures would be extremely hard to replicate by hand, nature in all her wisdom is already beautiful.

Next, I introduced my reference images, two pictures taken by Instagram influencer, @outdoorlos, who literally backpacks everywhere out West. I made two sketches based on his photographs, which I not only loved for their stunning view of Glacier Point and Half Dome but because they are a huge technical challenge.

I highly recommend that you make you make a sketch of your print before you transfer it to the block. As this will help you think in layers, and aid in the color decision making process.

Your drawing does not have to be very detailed or polished but it does need to have enough information on it so that you can refer back to it while you work. With a sheet of tracing paper and a soft dark pencil I traced the main shapes of my design. When you trace your design, don’t worry about tracing every single detail. You want the main outlines, remember you drawing is your guide.

Next, I sanded and stained my linoleum. You can watch this video where I quickly go over how I do this. This task not only guarantees that the linoleum is nice and smooth free from bumps resulting from the manufacturing process. I stain my block with regular india ink so that when I carve I have a nice contrasting color.

In order to make sure that your design prints in the correct direction, flip over the sheet of tracing paper when transferring the graphite. To transfer the graphite, I simply burnished the back of the tracing paper, the pressure from the spoon is more than enough to transfer the graphite to the linoleum. If this step sounds confusing check out this video. Once the graphite is on your block, you can use a permanent to make the line darker.

Finally, we went over registration systems. I explained how I will be using spare linoleum blocks to make a makeshift registration. However, you can also use a cardboard jig if using unmounted linoleum, or some of the Terner Burton pins; both of these systems will work well.

Class will continue on Saturday, April 1, 2023 9:00 AM PST / 12:00 PM EST. Next week, we will touch more on registration methods, and print the first layers of color on our block!

Before You Go,

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