top of page

What is Linocut Printmaking? Greenwich Printmakers Linocut Artists Explain

Writer's picture: TheMoatzart AlexandraTheMoatzart Alexandra

Updated: Jan 27

Alexandra Motiu, our newest member here at Greenwich Printmakers, will walk you through the technique of linocut printmaking, the basics, and show an array of what can be achieved through our printmakers who work with this medium in the gallery.


What is Linocut Printmaking?

This printmaking technique takes its origins from traditional woodcut printmaking, which originated in Japan, which most may be more aware of. This is essentially where an initial block of wood is carved by the printmaker, then inked up, most commonly using a brayer with ink, and then printed, either by hand or using a press. In the 20th century, linoleum (like the kind used for flooring) was introduced as an alternative material, and many artists took to it, as it was softer, cheaper, more durable, and at times able to hold more detail.


A purple, green and yellow linocut showing a garden with leaves in the foreground, a pond and a women wearing a hat on a bridge in the background
Alexandra Motiu carving "The Heaven of Immie", photo by Phoebe Wingrove

With the process at its most simple, the printmaker will carve out the block using specialist woodcut knives, ink it using a roller and relief printmaking ink, and then print it. This makes it an original printing technique as not only is the block carved by hand, but of course every impression taken from the block is unique.



More images of the work of Alexandra Motiu, and an inked up brayer


What kind of prints can you achieve with linocut?

Free inking technique

When working with colour, a first step might be wanting your carved block to have different sections of colours. Some printmakers will split up the block like a puzzle, in order to be able to ink every section separately, and then put them back together for the final print. However, there is another technique called free inking. Here, the printmaker can use really thin specialist rollers to ink really fine details on the plate. It creates a more painterly effect, and while the lines may not be as clean, there is also often a halo effect between transitions of colours. This again shows how the inking process also makes each impression a unique original print.




Multiblock printing with linocut

Another way of adding colour with linocut is by placing three different carved blocks on top of each other. This adds many layers of colour, and in some places they may overlap, creating even more tone. This can require a lot of planning in deciding how to layer the blocks for it to be successful, and in the printing process, as they have to be very well aligned. Some of our printmakers work in this way, such as Kit Boyd (below).


Kit Boyd, Greenwich Park - Equinox, Multiblock Linocut Print
Kit Boyd, Greenwich Park - Equinox, Multiblock Linocut Print

Find this print available for purchase framed and unframed here:


Reduction printing with linocut

In reduction printing, the printmaker still works with different layers of colours, but this time only using one block, eliminating the problem of having to align different blocks. So different layers keep getting carved and then printed, each time in a different colour, until the final image is revealed, and the block is ultimately destroyed. Our member Diana Croft has a wonderful recent blog explaining exactly how she achieved her reduction print, which is such a good explanation of the process. https://www.greenwichprintmakers.co.uk/post/behind-the-print-monet-s-garden


Reduction linocut by member Jennifer Jokhoo, Rising Tide, available here: https://www.greenwichprintmakers.co.uk/product-page/rising-tide
Reduction linocut by member Jennifer Jokhoo, Rising Tide, available here: https://www.greenwichprintmakers.co.uk/product-page/rising-tide

Mokuhanga woodblock printing


We also have printmakers who work in traditional woodblock techniques. Another technique for adding colour to prints is mokuhanga, where instead of using the brayers originally mentioned, a mixture of ink and paste is applied with large brushes along the carved woodblock, and then printed by hand using thin, often handmade japanese papers. It's a very precious way of working, with wonderful results. Our member Nikolas Wereszczyński works in this way, and we always marvel at the number of layers he introduces in his work. You can find more about his work here: https://www.greenwichprintmakers.co.uk/post/nikolas-wereszczynski-printmaking-folk-craft.



Ultimately, linocut printmaking can be one of the most accessible original printmaking techniques, as it can be printed by hand, and materials and tools are more easily acquired. It also makes it a wonderful opportunity for someone to own original art in a more affordable way. You will still have a unique, one of a kind piece, at a lower pricepoint than a painting, as there may be multiple impressions in one edition run.


It is often used for greeting card making, like the one below from Alexandra Motiu. If you come visit us at Greenwich Printmakers Gallery, 1a Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ, besides the wonderful original prints from our members, we also have a wide array of cards, both handmade and handprinted, and digital.





Follow us on instagram @greenwichprintmakers for news and updates on new exhibitions and events!


Shop all our members' works, all the shown prints are available on our website! https://www.greenwichprintmakers.co.uk/shop


143 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page