Cut, stab and etch: printmaking with linocuts

What is the course about?

The course is an introduction to basic and advanced lino printing principles and methods.
As well as more traditional approaches, the course includes experimentation with caustic etching to make fluid and painterly prints and an introduction to the intricate Punktowego (dot) technique popular in Poland.

What will we cover?

Students will learn how to develop sketches into linocuts, starting with an emphasis on developing fine cutting techniques and exploring line, tone and texture to produce monochromatic prints. Students will then produce three-colour reduction lino prints using caustic etching, with inventive application of resists such as hot wax drawing with a tjanting (a batik tool). There will also be instruction in multiple block printing and registration, burnishing with a baren and printing with a relief press.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Use cutting tools confidently to create a rich variety of marks

Make linocuts by the reduction method

Practice caustic etching safely and effectively

Make and use a registration template for multiple block printing

Print using a relief press and burnish by hand.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

All levels are welcome.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be given practical demonstrations of techniques, instruction on use of equipment and one-to-one tuition.

All sessions will take place in the workshop.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All basic materials are provided. It is recommended that you bring visual source material i.e. photos, postcards sketchbooks, drawings as inspiration.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

If you have enjoyed using lino, you may wish to try woodblock printmaking. There are regular printmaking courses in all the various processes we use in the studio, plus longer courses allowing more sustained practice into a variety of techniques. Ask your tutor for help and check the website for upcoming courses.