LINO PRINTING
LINOLEUM PRINTS Linocut is a printmaking technique, where a sheet of Lino is used for the relief surface. A design is cut into the Lino surface with a sharp knife, V- shaped chisel or gouge, with the raised areas representing a printed image. Essentially, you cut away the parts of linoleum that you want to leave the white on the page, and keep the parts you want to be inked black. The linoleum is then inked with a roller to create the print.
A Short History While linoleum was first invented in the 1860s, it wasn't used as a medium for printing until the early 1900s in Germany, where it was first used for making patterns on wallpaper! Artists ranging from Pablo Picasso to Henri Matisse have made linocuts, and today it is considered a respected art form. Pablo Picasso, Tête de Femme (Head of a Woman), 1962 Henri Matisse Primavera (Spring), 1938. Linocut. Ed: 3/25
What does a linoleum cut look like? Lino cuts have simple lines and shapes. They are carved with sharp tools called ‘gouges’. They print your design backwards– this is due to the printing process.
HOW TO MAKE LINO CUTS
You will need: One sheet of linoleum Linocutting tools with an assortment of blades A brayer Ink Paper A roller A pencil A SKETCH FOR YOUR PRINT! Step 1: Come up with your Indigenous art inspired design. Before you go anywhere near the tools you need to have you final design checked by the teacher. Step 2: Transfer your design onto your lino sheet. You can either draw this again or transfer with tracing paper. Step 3: CAREFULLY start cutting away your negative space, or the part of your linocut print that you want to show the white of the page, with no ink. Remember, you can always cut away more, but once you have cut something off, it is gone for good! For larger areas, use one of your larger U-blades, the scoup like attachment to your linocutter. For fine detail, use the smallest of your U-blades and/or your straight blade.
Step 4: Ink up your lino sheet. Put about a spoonful (depending on how big your print is) of ink into the centre of your glass pane. Start rolling your ink around. Experiment with your brayer a little bit to make sure it is rolling the paint. When rolling, its best to go at a quick pace. If you take too long, your ink will start to dry. STEP 5: PRINT! Take your paper, and gently place it over your inked block. Tap down in the centre and roll it out smooth with your hands. Use your barren to transfer the ink from the plate to the paper. Lift paper and allow to dry.
SAFTEY ALWAYS CUT AWAY FROM YOU. This is a general rule when using any sharp object, but its a good thing to remember know where your fingers are at all times This sounds stupid. How do you lose track of your finger? I promise you, it will happen. When you are carving, your non-carving hand will need to hold the piece of linoleum down to keep it from slipping and moving across your table.
EXAMPLES
It is important to note that the white area is the part of the lino that has been cut away.