Last weekend I spent some time with my artist/illustrator/photographer friend Phil. He (bravely) agreed to teach me how to make a linocut (or block) print, from start to finish.
We decided that the best way for me to learn was to watch him go through the entire process first, then I could carve my own block and create a print.
1. If you’d like to work from a printed image, outline the part you’d like to transfer to the block in pencil.
2. Turn the image over and rub it with the pencil to transfer it onto the block. Keep in mind that the image you’re looking at will print backwards. It’s really hard for my brain to grasp that. Maybe your brain is more functional in terms of spatial relationshippy things. And, I hope for your sake, math. I can’t even calculate tips correctly sometimes. And directions. I lose my car in parking garages.
3. Now you get to start carving! Take your linoleum cutter (OMG…there’s a pink one! Maybe I will do this again!) and begin to carve the block. Do not, I repeat, do not cut too deep. I did, and it wasn’t pretty. More on that later.
4. When you finish the outline you can switch to a larger blade and begin carving out bigger chunks around your image.
5. Now it’s time to bust out the ink and start printing.
After Phil finished showing me the ropes, he let me wield the tools. I was not quite as successful as my artist friend. Like I said, I dug too deep with the linoleum cutter. Even Phil couldn’t salvage it. This is what Phil’s face looks like after seeing my carving.
Lucky for me, Phil is super nice and made an IFG stamp just for me. He even let me have another try with my own design. I was happier with my chevron-inspired block, but could use more practice if I decide to become a professional linocutter.
By the way, the carving process was super relaxing. I love the way it felt when the shavings came off. I imagine it to be sort of like whittling, but not prairie. Even though I’m not a linocut master (yet), I had tons of fun. If you don’t believe me, check out the video that Phil made about our adventure in printmaking.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWxo_LTxRXg?rel=0&w=640&h=480]
If you want to see what Phil is working on, visit him on Facebook. You can also take a look at his editorial illustration portfolio at Phillustrations.
Isn’t it fun to learn something new? What’s something that you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet? Maybe 2012 is the year to try it!