Process created "The forest mushrooms" linocut print
🖐🏼Hello to all the arts and crafts enthusiasts out there! I am Daryna, a graphic designer and illustrator with over 5 years of experience in linogravure and I have over 100 prints on different subjects, invite you to dive into the world of linocut.
Who's it for:
✦ For those who want to try their hand at linogravure;
✦ For those who love handicrafts and various artistic techniques;
✦ For engravers who are interested in and inspired by the experience and art of other masters.
*In this article, I will talk about my own experience and organization of my work.
Let's get started🙌
You will need:
✦ Idea;
✦ Paper and pencil, or computer (tablet) and printer;
✦ Carbon paper or tracing paper, paper clips;
✦ Linoleum according to the format;
✦ Сutters for linoleum or wood(U or V form);
✦ Paint rollers;
✦ Acrylic or oil ink;
✦ Wooden or metal spoon or convex object;
✦ Non-absorbent surface;
✦ Blank sheets of paper;
✦ Wet wipes or water.
Stage 1: IDEA AND SKETCH
✔️ Materials: pencil, paper, or tablet/PC
It all starts with an idea. I draw whatever comes to mind and spend a long time contemplating how to bring the idea to life. This time, I wanted to create an linocut print "Mushrooms in the Forest" in trendy sage green and ochre colors. I sketched it out on my iPad in A3 format.
*By the way, I sketch using Sketchbook app(free for iPad).
*The sketch should be drawn in 2D flat graphics(black represents what will be printed, and white represents what will be cut out and left blank).
Next, I duplicated the sketch in Photoshop and mirrored it.
*All linocuts are cut and printed in a mirrored format. This is important to remember, especially when cutting out text.
Then, I printed this mirrored sketch on the printer. If it's a large format, I cut it into parts and print it on A4 paper. Then I tape all the parts together and get the drawing in the required format, and sketch ready to transfer to the linoleum.
For a beginner, it's not necessary to buy professional linoleum. I often purchase linoleum from flooring stores. The linoleum should be firm and not brittle. I choose by trial and mistake - I cut from the backside of the linoleum with a cutter, and then buy around 3 meters of it. *To save money, you can ask for linoleum from the remains - there are always remains in every store, believe me🙂 If it cuts easily without crumbling, the line is clear, and there are no ragged edges, then it's the right one, I take it. It's important that there are no extra patterns or perforations on it(you understand that all of this will be printed in your artwork).
Place the linoleum under the carbon paper with the printed side facing down, and above the carbon paper place the sketch, secured with paper clips and you're ready! Trace over the sketch with a non-writing pen or pencil.
After outlining the design, I refine the drawing on the lino block with a marker that doesn't smear and is visible. I often add details and indicators to know what needs to be cut and what doesn't. Clean the surface of the linoleum from unnecessary dirt and ink from the carbon paper with water or a solvent and start cutting.
Stage 3: LINOCUTTING
✔️ Materials: linoleum and linocutting tools
Tools I use both professional and beginner linocutting tools. For beginners, these tools are suitable: amazon tools 1, tools 2
In my arsenal, I have over 10 flat, round, and triangular linocutting tools of various sizes and types(U and V). I mainly use two sizes: a large U form - 0.5 and a small V form - 0.2, and I use them to carve out most of my artworks. I would recommend purchasing either a set of multiple linocutting tools or just the smallest size 0.2. With it, you can create a complete artwork—I've done it many times 🙂
This is where the fun begins: inspiration, anticipation, patience, and meditation. I start by cutting out large forms and planes(0.5 linocutting tool), and then I refine the details and strokes with finer linocutting tool(0.2). I spend a lot of time observing and improving lino block. *To achieve the expected positive result, it's better to sketch out and plan all the details in the draft and final sketch, so there are no surprises. I often even block out large forms on the sketch with a permanent marker to see the result(it took me some time to realize this, and sometimes I ended up with linocuts that I didn't like). Take care of this!
Have you finished linocutting? Let's get down to printing!
Stage 4: PRINTING PREPARATION AND INK
✔️ Materials: Linoleum block with your design carved into it; Printing ink(acrylic or oil-based); Brayer or roller; Paper for printing; Non-absorbent surface such as glass or Plexiglas; Clean, damp cloths or wet wipes for cleaning
Once again clean the surface of the lino block from unnecessary dirt and ink from the carbon paper with water or a solvent.
First, choose the paints and colors you need. I use oil ink because it dries more slowly and provides freedom for printing, and also because it creates a deeper relief. On this lino print I use to "Rosa" olive, brown and gold ochre oil ink. *If you choose acrylic ink, remember its quick drying time. *It's better to choose oil ink with a bit oil content, as after drying on the paper, an oil slick may remain around the drawing. On the roller, roll the ink onto the roller and Carefully roll the inked brayer over the surface of the linoleum block, ensuring that the entire design is covered with a thin, even layer of ink. You can roll the ink several times. *You can buy a roller at a local hardware store, and it's not necessary to buy professional rollers for linogravure! The main thing is that the roller has a non-absorbent surface so that it distributes the ink better, doesn't leave its texture, and saves ink. *It's better to place paper or an unnecessary surface under the lino block, as rolling ink onto the form with a roller will dirty the space around it.
Stage 5: LINO PRINTING
✔️ Materials: a wooden or metal spoon, paper
Place the inked block with the paint in a way that suits you best and then place your printing paper on top of the inked linoleum block. Take a spoon or any convex object comfortable to hold in your hand. I prefer using a metal spoon as it glides better over the paper.
Apply even pressure over the back of the paper in circular motions using a wooden or metal spoon to transfer the ink from the linoleum block onto the paper.
Carefully lift the paper to reveal your printed design. For better print, it's recommended to pass over the entire block's surface 3-4 times. Voilà! The linocut relief print is ready. Enjoy the printmaking process and the satisfaction of seeing your design come to life on paper! *After printing, it's advisable to clean the linoleum block from any remaining ink, as well as the roller and the glass surface, using water with detergent or soap powder. I prefer wiping everything clean with damp wipes as it saves time and effort. Then, I wash the lino block with water and a brush. Such linocuts typically dry within one week.
Next, choose a frame according to the format, style, and color. Then, proceed with framing.
The full process created this linocut print in my IG reels
Handmade printmaking linocut is ready. Enjoy. It's stylish, unique, and doubly satisfying when made by hand.
And if you'd like to purchase this artwork from me ➡️ "Forest mushrooms"
