Lino-Cut Printmaking Process - Tips and Tricks - EHollingsheadArt

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to linocut printmaking, focusing on the process of transferring sketches, carving, and printing. The artist uses soft-cut lino, tracing paper, and a wooden spatula to carefully transfer their design, emphasizing the importance of precision during the carving phase. Sharpie is used for clearer lines, and texture and dimension are added to the design. The video also covers registration, ink application, and printing techniques, ensuring a smooth and even result. The artist's personal tips and tricks highlight the significance of patience and attention to detail in achieving successful prints.

Takeaways

• 😀 Soft cut lenum is preferred for hand printing due to its ease of use.
• 😀 Tracing paper is used to transfer sketches onto lenum, as it's easy to align and the pencil transfers well.
• 😀 After transferring the sketch, a wooden spatula is used to apply pressure for a clean transfer.
• 😀 Sharpie is applied over pencil lines to prevent smudging during carving and to achieve the desired line thickness.
• 😀 When carving, the design must be transferred backwards on the lenum, as the final print will be a reversed image.
• 😀 Taking time during the carving process is crucial, as mistakes can be irreversible and may require starting over.
• 😀 Carving tools, such as a Speedball V-shaped gouge, are used to carefully remove unwanted material from the lenum.
• 😀 After an initial carving, Sharpie is reapplied to help visualize details as carving progresses.
• 😀 The direction of carving should follow the natural flow of the shapes to improve the aesthetic quality of the print.
• 😀 The design focuses on using positive space (areas that pick up ink) and negative space (areas that remain paper) effectively.
• 😀 When printing, a thin, even layer of ink is applied with a brayer to avoid over-inking, which can blur details in the print.

Q & A

What type of linoleum does the artist prefer for lino cut printmaking?

The artist prefers using soft cut linoleum, as it is easy to work with for hand printing.

Why does the artist use tracing paper for transferring the sketch to linoleum?

The artist uses tracing paper because it is see-through, making it easier to align the sketch with the linoleum and transfer the drawing accurately.

How does the artist transfer the sketch to the linoleum?

The artist flips the tracing paper over, placing the pencil side down, and then applies pressure with a wooden spatula to transfer the pencil marks onto the linoleum.

Why does the artist use Sharpie after transferring the sketch to the linoleum?

The artist uses Sharpie to go over the pencil lines to prevent smudging and to create thicker lines that resemble the desired carving thickness, making it easier to carve.

Why does the artist carve the design in reverse on the linoleum?

The artist carves the design in reverse because when the print is made, it will transfer in reverse as well. This ensures the final print appears in the correct orientation.

What advice does the artist give about the carving process?

The artist emphasizes taking your time when carving to avoid mistakes, as errors can sometimes be irreversible. Patience is key to achieving the best results.

What type of carving tool does the artist use, and how does it function?

The artist uses a Speedball gouge chisel tool, shaped like a 'V', which scoops away the surface of the linoleum to remove unwanted material.

What is the importance of positive and negative space in lino cut printmaking?

Positive space refers to areas that will pick up ink and appear in the print, while negative space is where the paper will show through. The artist carefully considers these spaces to create effective designs.

How does the artist create texture and three-dimensionality in the print?

The artist adds texture by carving small details, like air bubbles on seaweed, which makes them appear more three-dimensional and enhances the visual depth of the print.

What is the process of printing after carving the linoleum?

After carving, the artist prepares an ink bed using oil-based ink, applies it evenly with a brayer, and then carefully aligns the paper with the carved linoleum using a registration system. The artist then applies pressure to transfer the ink to the paper.