2.2 Linocut
9 min read•august 21, 2024
is a versatile printmaking technique that emerged in the early 20th century. It revolutionized with its accessibility and expressive potential, quickly gaining popularity among artists for its bold, graphic qualities and ease of use compared to traditional woodcut methods.
This printmaking process utilizes specific materials and tools, including various types of linoleum, tools, inks, and papers. Artists must consider design elements like positive and , , and to create impactful linocut prints that leverage the medium's unique characteristics.
History of linocut
- Linocut emerged as a printmaking technique in the early 20th century, revolutionizing relief printing with its accessibility and versatility
- This method quickly gained popularity among artists for its expressive potential and ease of use compared to traditional woodcut techniques
- Linocut's development parallels the broader evolution of printmaking, offering new possibilities for artistic expression and reproduction
Origins and development
Top images from around the web for Origins and development
Linoleum Print | This print was carved out of a linoleum til… | Ashley H. | Flickr View original
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The creation of Sun and Moon. Woodcut from Genesis, Paul Nash. | Wellcome Collection View original
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Linoleum Print | This print was carved out of a linoleum til… | Ashley H. | Flickr View original
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The creation of Sun and Moon. Woodcut from Genesis, Paul Nash. | Wellcome Collection View original
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Top images from around the web for Origins and development
Linoleum Print | This print was carved out of a linoleum til… | Ashley H. | Flickr View original
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The creation of Sun and Moon. Woodcut from Genesis, Paul Nash. | Wellcome Collection View original
Is this image relevant?
Linoleum Print | This print was carved out of a linoleum til… | Ashley H. | Flickr View original
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The creation of Sun and Moon. Woodcut from Genesis, Paul Nash. | Wellcome Collection View original
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- Evolved from earlier woodcut techniques, with linoleum first used as a printing surface in the 1890s
- Gained prominence in the 1900s as artists sought more affordable and easily workable materials
- Popularized by German Expressionists in the 1920s, who embraced its bold, graphic qualities
- Spread globally through art education programs, becoming a staple in printmaking curricula
Notable linocut artists
- pioneered innovative linocut techniques, creating complex multi-color prints (Bull series)
- Henri Matisse incorporated linocut into his later works, producing vibrant, simplified forms
- Sybil Andrews developed dynamic, modernist compositions using the reduction method
- Contemporary artists like Nick Morley continue to push the boundaries of linocut, combining traditional techniques with modern subjects
Materials and tools
- Linocut utilizes specific materials and tools designed to facilitate the carving and printing process
- The choice of materials significantly impacts the final print quality and artistic expression
- Understanding the properties of different linoleum types, carving tools, inks, and papers is crucial for achieving desired results
Types of linoleum
- Traditional lino made from cork dust, linseed oil, and resins offers a classic carving experience
- Soft-cut or easy-carve lino provides a smoother cutting surface, ideal for beginners or detailed work
- Mounted linoleum blocks feature a wooden backing for stability during carving and printing
- Clear or transparent linoleum allows for precise in multi-color prints
Carving tools
- create thin lines and detailed textures, available in various angles (15°, 45°, 90°)
- U-gouges remove larger areas of material, useful for creating broad strokes or negative space
- Straight or flat chisels produce clean, straight edges and can be used for fine details
- Safety handles and finger guards protect artists from accidental cuts during carving
Inks and papers
- offer rich color and longer working time, suitable for multi-color prints
- provide easy clean-up and faster drying times, ideal for quick proofing
- is prized for its strength and ability to capture fine details
- Western printmaking papers like or offer different textures and absorbency levels
Design considerations
- Effective linocut designs require careful planning to leverage the medium's unique characteristics
- Artists must consider the interplay between positive and negative space, , and color composition
- Thoughtful design choices enhance the visual impact and artistic expression of the final print
Positive vs negative space
- represents the inked areas of the print, created by uncarved linoleum
- Negative space forms the white or unprinted areas, resulting from carved-away portions
- Balancing positive and negative space creates dynamic compositions and visual interest
- Reversing traditional positive/negative relationships can produce striking, unexpected results
Texture and line quality
- Varied carving techniques produce different textures (smooth areas, crosshatching, )
- Line weight and direction influence the overall mood and movement within the composition
- Organic, flowing lines can create a sense of softness or fluidity in the print
- Sharp, angular cuts produce bold, graphic effects and can convey energy or tension
Color planning
- Single-color prints rely on strong contrast and effective use of positive/negative space
- Multi-color prints require careful planning for layer order and color interactions
- Color separation techniques allow for precise control over each hue in the final print
- Overprinting colors can create new hues and add depth to the composition
Carving techniques
- Mastering various carving techniques allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects in linocut prints
- Proper tool handling and safety practices are essential for successful and injury-free printmaking
- Experimenting with different cutting methods expands the artist's repertoire and creative possibilities
Safety precautions
- Always carve away from your body and hands to prevent accidental cuts
- Use a bench hook or non-slip mat to secure the while carving
- Wear cut-resistant gloves on your non-dominant hand for added protection
- Keep tools sharp to reduce the force required for carving and minimize slips
Basic cutting methods
- Outline cutting involves carving along the edges of shapes to define forms
- Clearing large areas removes negative space efficiently using broader U-gouges
- and create shading and texture through parallel or intersecting lines
- Stippling produces gradients or textures by carving small dots or marks
Advanced carving styles
- progressively removes material for multi-color prints from a single block
- creates white lines on a dark background by cutting away the negative space
- combines shallow and deep cuts to achieve varied textures and tones
- Experimental techniques like melting or distressing the linoleum surface produce unique effects
Printing process
- The printing process transforms the carved linoleum block into a finished print on paper
- Proper , registration, and printing techniques ensure consistent, high-quality results
- Artists can choose between hand-printing and press printing methods based on their equipment and desired effects
Inking the block
- Apply ink evenly using a or roller, ensuring complete coverage of raised areas
- Experiment with ink consistency to achieve desired opacity and texture in the print
- Use masks or selective inking techniques to create multi-color effects from a single block
- Clean excess ink from non-printing areas to prevent unwanted marks on the final print
Registration methods
- uses metal pins and tabs to align multiple blocks or colors precisely
- , inspired by Japanese woodblock printing, utilizes carved registration marks
- Registration boards with adjustable guides ensure consistent placement of paper and blocks
- can aid in planning and aligning complex multi-color designs
Hand-printing vs press printing
- Hand-printing with a baren or spoon allows for greater control and variation in pressure
- Press printing produces more consistent results and is efficient for larger editions
- Etching presses apply even pressure across the entire print surface
- Specialized relief printing presses offer adjustable pressure and roller settings
Multi-color linocuts
- Multi-color linocut prints add depth, complexity, and visual interest to the medium
- Various techniques allow artists to achieve rich, layered color compositions
- Careful planning and execution are crucial for successful registration and color interactions
Reduction method
- Also known as the "suicide print" due to the block's progressive destruction
- Involves carving and printing multiple colors from a single block in stages
- Requires careful planning of color order and registration to maintain alignment
- Produces limited editions as the block cannot be reused after completion
Multiple block technique
- Uses separate blocks for each color in the print, allowing for greater flexibility
- Enables easier color adjustments and reprinting of individual colors if needed
- Requires precise registration to align multiple blocks accurately
- Allows for simultaneous printing of different color combinations
Color separation
- Involves breaking down the image into separate color layers
- Each color is carved on its own block and printed sequentially
- Allows for precise control over color placement and interactions
- Can be combined with digital design tools for complex color planning
Artistic applications
- Linocut's versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of artistic and commercial applications
- The medium's distinctive aesthetic appeals to both traditional and contemporary art markets
- Artists continue to explore new ways of incorporating linocut into various creative disciplines
Illustration and book arts
- Linocut illustrations add texture and handmade charm to books and publications
- Block-printed book covers create unique, tactile designs for limited editions
- Linocut endpapers and chapter headings enhance the overall design of art books
- Artists' books often incorporate linocut prints as central elements or entire narratives
Fine art prints
- Limited edition linocut prints are valued by collectors and galleries
- Large-scale linocuts create impactful standalone artworks or series
- Experimental techniques push the boundaries of traditional linocut aesthetics
- Linocut prints often feature in contemporary printmaking exhibitions and competitions
Commercial uses
- Linocut designs are used for creating unique business cards and stationery
- Textile printing incorporates linocut patterns for fabric designs and wallpapers
- Packaging design benefits from the bold, graphic quality of linocut illustrations
- Linocut-inspired digital designs emulate the medium's texture in branding and advertising
Preservation and display
- Proper preservation and display techniques ensure the longevity and value of linocut prints
- Archival practices protect prints from environmental damage and degradation
- Professional presentation enhances the visual impact and marketability of linocut artwork
Editioning and numbering
- Limited editions are typically numbered as fractions (1/50) indicating the print's order and total edition size
- Artist's proofs (A/P) are unnumbered prints reserved for the artist's use or sale
- Bon à tirer (B.A.T.) proofs serve as the standard for color and quality in an edition
- Proper documentation of editions adds value and authenticity to fine art prints
Proper storage methods
- Store prints flat in acid-free archival boxes or folders to prevent curling and damage
- Use interleaving tissue between prints to protect from moisture and prevent ink transfer
- Maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels in storage areas to prevent warping
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands or wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils
Framing and presentation
- Use UV-protective glass or acrylic to shield prints from harmful light exposure
- Mount prints using archival-quality mats and backing boards to prevent acid migration
- Float mounting showcases the natural edges of handmade paper or deckled edges
- Consider the print's subject matter and style when selecting complementary frame designs
Digital integration
- Digital tools and techniques enhance traditional linocut processes, offering new creative possibilities
- The combination of hand-carved prints and digital manipulation creates hybrid artworks
- Digital integration expands the reach and application of linocut designs in contemporary media
Scanning and digital editing
- High-resolution scanning captures the texture and detail of linocut prints for digital reproduction
- Image editing software allows for color adjustment and cleanup of scanned prints
- Digital colorization techniques can transform black and white linocuts into vibrant designs
- Composite digital images incorporate elements from multiple linocut prints or blocks
Hybrid print techniques
- Combine linocut prints with digital printing for mixed-media effects
- Use laser-engraved linoleum blocks based on digital designs for precise, complex patterns
- Incorporate photographic elements into linocut compositions through digital transfers
- Experiment with 3D-printed textures or patterns as part of the linocut printing process
Contemporary trends
- Modern artists continue to innovate and expand the possibilities of linocut printmaking
- New materials, techniques, and conceptual approaches keep the medium relevant in contemporary art
- Environmental concerns and sustainability practices influence current linocut trends
Experimental approaches
- Incorporate unconventional materials like plastics or recycled substances as printing surfaces
- Explore large-scale linocut installations and site-specific printed environments
- Combine linocut with digital projection or augmented reality for interactive experiences
- Experiment with non-traditional inking methods (spray paint, food dyes) for unique effects
Linocut in mixed media
- Integrate linocut prints with collage, painting, or sculpture to create dimensional artworks
- Combine linocut with traditional printmaking techniques (etching, screenprint) for layered compositions
- Use linocut elements in digital designs or animations to add organic textures
- Incorporate linocut prints into textile art through embroidery or appliqué techniques
Environmental considerations
- Explore eco-friendly alternatives to traditional linoleum (biodegradable materials)
- Use non-toxic, water-based inks to reduce environmental impact and improve studio safety
- Repurpose or recycle used linoleum blocks for new projects or sculptural elements
- Create awareness about environmental issues through linocut prints and activism
Key Terms to Review (39)
Bfk rives: Bfk Rives is a high-quality, acid-free paper often used for printmaking, particularly in processes like linocut. This paper is known for its exceptional durability and ability to hold intricate details, making it ideal for artists seeking to achieve crisp, clean impressions in their prints. Its softness and absorbency also contribute to vibrant colors and textures, which are crucial for successful linocut prints.
Brayer: A brayer is a hand-held tool used in printmaking to apply ink evenly onto a surface, such as a plate or block. It typically consists of a roller attached to a handle and is essential for creating consistent ink coverage in various printing techniques, making it crucial for processes where even application is key to the final print quality.
Burnishing: Burnishing is a printmaking technique used to create a smooth, glossy surface on the paper by applying pressure to transfer ink from the matrix onto the paper. This process is crucial in achieving rich, clear impressions in various printmaking methods, enhancing the overall quality and detail of the final print.
Carving: Carving refers to the process of removing material from a block or plate to create a design or image, which can be printed in relief. In linocut, a specific form of relief printing, artists carve into linoleum to form their desired images, ensuring that the raised surfaces hold ink while the carved-out areas remain blank. This technique is central to producing unique prints and allows for a wide range of artistic expression.
Color Planning: Color planning is the strategic process of selecting and arranging colors in artwork to achieve a desired visual impact and harmony. This involves understanding color theory, the emotional and psychological effects of colors, and how different hues interact with one another when printed. By thoughtfully applying color planning, artists can enhance the depth, mood, and narrative of their linocut prints.
Cross-hatching: Cross-hatching is a drawing technique that involves creating tonal or shading effects by layering intersecting lines in various directions. This method is commonly used to add depth and texture to prints, making it a crucial element in techniques like linocut and wood engraving. The density and orientation of the lines can significantly influence the visual impact and overall composition of the artwork.
Digital templates: Digital templates are pre-designed digital files that serve as a framework for creating artwork or designs, allowing artists to efficiently produce prints or visual elements. These templates can be customized and manipulated using graphic design software, making them versatile tools in the printmaking process, especially in linocut printing.
Expressionism: Expressionism is an artistic movement that emphasizes the expression of emotional experience rather than physical reality. This approach seeks to evoke feelings and convey the artist's subjective interpretation of the world, often through vivid colors, exaggerated forms, and dynamic compositions. Its influence can be seen in various printmaking techniques, as artists strive to express deep emotions or social critiques.
Folk Art: Folk art refers to the traditional and handmade crafts and artistic expressions that emerge from a specific culture or community, often reflecting the values, beliefs, and daily life of its people. This form of art is usually created by self-taught artists using techniques passed down through generations, resulting in unique and culturally significant pieces that often carry deep meaning within the community.
Graham Sutherland: Graham Sutherland was a British painter and printmaker known for his expressive landscapes and portraits, particularly his innovative use of linocut techniques. His work often featured bold lines and dynamic forms, which were significant in the development of modern printmaking. Sutherland's contributions to linocut helped elevate this medium, showcasing its potential for both artistic expression and technical complexity.
Hatching: Hatching is a technique used in drawing and printmaking to create tonal or shading effects by drawing closely spaced parallel lines. This method can add depth and dimension to an image, often helping to convey light and shadow. In printmaking, particularly in linocut, hatching is essential for developing a rich visual texture and enhancing the overall composition of the piece.
Ink handling: Ink handling refers to the techniques and practices involved in managing ink during the printmaking process, particularly in linocut. This includes mixing, applying, and controlling the viscosity and distribution of ink on the surface of the linoleum block and paper. Proper ink handling is crucial for achieving the desired print quality and consistency, impacting factors like color saturation, texture, and overall image clarity.
Inking: Inking refers to the process of applying ink to a matrix or printing surface in printmaking, which is essential for transferring an image onto paper or other materials. This technique plays a crucial role in determining the quality, texture, and overall appearance of the final print. Proper inking techniques enhance the contrast and clarity of the printed image, making it an integral part of various printmaking methods.
Japanese washi paper: Japanese washi paper is a traditional handmade paper known for its unique texture, strength, and versatility, often made from the bark of the mulberry tree, wheat, or rice. It is celebrated for its ability to absorb ink beautifully, making it a popular choice for various printmaking techniques and artworks. Its characteristics enhance the quality of prints, particularly in methods that require fine detail and delicate imagery.
Kento registration: Kento registration is a method used in printmaking, particularly in relief printing techniques like linocut, to ensure precise alignment of multiple layers or colors when creating a print. This technique involves cutting small notches or 'kentos' into the edges of the printing plate and the paper, serving as registration marks that guide the placement of subsequent layers. By using kento registration, artists can achieve clean, well-aligned prints that maintain the integrity of the design throughout the printing process.
Layered carving: Layered carving is a printmaking technique primarily used in linocut that involves creating multiple levels of depth within the block to achieve a range of textures and tones. This method allows artists to carve away different areas of the linoleum block, resulting in distinct layers that can produce varied ink impressions when printed. Layered carving is essential for creating more complex, nuanced prints that display a rich visual quality.
Line Quality: Line quality refers to the characteristics of a line that convey emotion, texture, and depth in visual art. It encompasses aspects such as thickness, smoothness, and variation of the line, which can dramatically affect the overall impact of a print. Understanding line quality is essential for artists, as it helps in expressing nuances in their work and can differentiate styles, especially in traditional printmaking techniques.
Linocut: Linocut is a printmaking technique that involves carving an image into a linoleum surface, which is then inked and pressed onto paper to create a print. This method is popular for its simplicity and versatility, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced artists while allowing for a variety of artistic expressions and styles.
Linoleum Block: A linoleum block is a flat printing surface made from a mixture of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, and mineral pigments, often mounted on a sturdy backing. This material is used in the linocut printing technique, where the artist carves designs into the block, removing parts that will not hold ink, allowing for unique and bold prints. The flexibility of linoleum makes it ideal for both detailed and abstract designs, and its relatively soft surface allows for easier carving compared to harder materials like wood or metal.
Linoleum cutter: A linoleum cutter is a specialized tool used in the process of linocut printmaking, designed to carve and shape linoleum blocks. This tool allows artists to create intricate designs by removing material from the surface of the linoleum, thus forming a relief that will hold ink during the printing process. The versatility and precision of a linoleum cutter make it essential for achieving detailed images and patterns.
Multicolor linocut: A multicolor linocut is a printmaking technique that involves creating a design on a linoleum block and carving away sections to produce multiple colors in a single print. This process allows artists to layer different colors, achieving rich textures and vibrant images. By using separate blocks for each color or a reduction technique, artists can produce complex, colorful works that showcase their creativity and technical skills.
Negative space: Negative space refers to the area around and between the subjects of an image or design. It plays a critical role in visual composition by creating balance, contrast, and depth, allowing the viewer to understand the overall layout. By effectively using negative space, artists can emphasize their main subjects and create interesting shapes and forms that draw the viewer's eye.
Oil-based inks: Oil-based inks are printing inks made primarily from pigments suspended in oil, usually linseed or mineral oils. These inks are known for their rich colors, durability, and smooth application, making them a popular choice in various printing techniques, especially where fine detail and vibrant hues are essential.
Pablo Picasso: Pablo Picasso was a renowned Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, co-founding the Cubist movement and revolutionizing modern art. His exploration of various styles and techniques significantly impacted the evolution of printmaking and inspired numerous modern printmaking movements.
Pin registration: Pin registration is a technique used in printmaking to accurately align multiple layers or colors during the printing process. This method utilizes small pins or alignment marks that are placed on the printing surface, allowing for precise positioning of the paper or substrate each time a print is made. By ensuring that each layer of ink or material lines up perfectly, pin registration is essential for achieving clean and vibrant prints, especially in techniques that require multiple passes, like linocut, stencil printing, or color registration.
Positive Space: Positive space refers to the areas in an artwork that are occupied by the main subjects or elements, as opposed to negative space, which is the empty or unoccupied space surrounding them. In the context of visual art, positive space draws attention and creates focal points, helping to define the composition and narrative of the piece. Understanding how to manipulate positive space is crucial for effective design and layout in various printmaking techniques.
Printing ink: Printing ink is a colored paste used in the printing process to transfer images and text onto surfaces, such as paper or fabric. It comes in various types and formulations, each suited for different printing techniques, including linocut and monoprinting. The choice of printing ink affects the final appearance, texture, and durability of the printed work.
Reduction Carving: Reduction carving is a printmaking technique that involves creating a multi-colored linocut print by progressively carving away layers of a linoleum block, reducing the surface in a step-by-step process. This method allows artists to build up colors and layers in a single print run, creating rich and complex images that can showcase depth and detail through careful planning and execution.
Registration: Registration in printmaking refers to the precise alignment of multiple prints or colors on a single sheet of paper to ensure that every layer fits perfectly. Accurate registration is crucial for achieving clarity and coherence in the final artwork, especially when using multiple blocks, plates, or screens in the printing process.
Relief printing: Relief printing is a printmaking technique where the image is printed from a raised surface, with non-image areas carved away. This method has deep historical roots and connects to various forms of printmaking, emphasizing the tactile nature of art production and the use of unique materials.
Reverse carving: Reverse carving is a printmaking technique where the artist carves away the areas of a linoleum block that they want to remain unprinted, leaving raised areas that will transfer ink onto paper. This method allows for the creation of intricate designs and images, as the carved-out sections act as a negative space. Reverse carving is particularly effective in linocut printing, where flexibility and depth can be achieved through careful cutting.
Single-color linocut: A single-color linocut is a printmaking technique where an artist carves an image into a linoleum block, inking only the raised surfaces to produce a print in one solid color. This method emphasizes the contrast between the inked areas and the negative space, allowing for bold designs and clear outlines. The simplicity of using a single color makes it an accessible technique for both beginners and experienced printmakers.
Stippling: Stippling is a technique used in printmaking and drawing that involves creating images through the use of small dots or points. This method relies on the density and arrangement of the dots to create varying levels of shading and texture, allowing for detailed and expressive representations. It's commonly utilized in various forms of art, including linocut and wood engraving, to achieve intricate designs and gradients.
Stonehenge: Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, consisting of a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. This iconic structure has intrigued historians and archaeologists due to its unique construction and purpose, which are believed to be linked to ancient ritual practices and possibly celestial events. The connection between Stonehenge and printmaking, particularly in techniques like linocut, lies in the inspiration artists draw from its historical and cultural significance, as well as the use of specific types of printmaking papers that can effectively capture textures and details inspired by such monumental works.
Straight Chisels: Straight chisels are tools used in printmaking, particularly in relief printing processes like linocut. They have a flat, sharp blade that allows artists to carve out areas of the linoleum or other substrates, creating a design that will be inked and printed. The design is achieved by removing material, which defines the shapes and lines that will appear in the final print.
Texture: Texture in printmaking refers to the surface quality or feel of a print, which can be both visual and tactile. It plays a significant role in defining the overall aesthetic and emotional impact of a print, influencing how viewers perceive and interact with the artwork. Different printmaking techniques create unique textures that can enhance the narrative or thematic elements of a piece.
Tool safety: Tool safety refers to the set of practices and precautions designed to prevent accidents and injuries while using various tools, particularly in a workshop environment. This includes the proper handling, usage, and maintenance of tools to ensure the user's protection as well as the longevity of the tools. Understanding tool safety is essential for anyone engaged in activities that involve sharp instruments or machinery, especially in contexts like printmaking where tools such as carving knives and presses are frequently used.
V-gouges: V-gouges are specialized carving tools used in printmaking, specifically designed to create fine lines and intricate details in relief printing. These tools feature a V-shaped blade that allows artists to carve into the surface of the printing medium, such as linoleum or wood, producing sharp and defined grooves. The unique shape of v-gouges is essential for achieving varying line widths and textures in linocut prints, enhancing both the aesthetic quality and depth of the final artwork.
Water-based inks: Water-based inks are printing inks that use water as the primary solvent, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based inks. These inks have gained popularity due to their ease of use, quick drying times, and reduced odor, making them suitable for a variety of printing techniques while promoting safer working conditions and minimizing environmental impact.