In this two-day masterclass, you'll be taught the core skills of linocutting and acquire the principles which will enable you to create reduction linocuts.
In this two-day masterclass, you'll be taught the core skills of linocutting and acquire the principles which will enable you to create reduction linocuts.
A two-day workshop on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th of October 2023
11am-4pm | Fee £100 | Booking is essential
What is reduction linocutting?
Reduction linocut is a technique for achieving multiple colours in a print using just one block of lino. You carve/cut one layer, print it, carve/cut again, print again, and repeat as needed for the number of colours you're printing.
The surface of the lino is reduced for every colour you print, hence the name.
Day 1 will be spent discussing your image, designing, drawing, cutting, and printing the first colour. After allowing the prints to dry overnight, on day 2, we'll continue cutting, proofing and finally printing a second layer/colour.
It's vital to think carefully about the sketch or photograph you're going to work from. As we'll be using just two colours for the reduction, images with plenty of contrast are ideal. Although you're using two colours, the colour of the paper will produce an initial 'white' (or highlight) and your two colours will form the mid-tone and shadow. Please see the "Piod y Mor" (Oystercatchers) linocut below:
In the "Piod y Mor" linocut, the white areas on the underside of the body, eye and legs are cut away first, then the blue is printed. After that, everything that needs to remain blue is cut away to ensure it's not overprinted. The remaining areas are inked up in black, then printed on top of the blue.
As part of the process, you'll learn how to register your prints perfectly, and how to make a registration board using a simple method of cardboard 'buffers'.
For the printing process itself, you'll be using various methods from a wooden spoon through to a small, portable press.
Please bring with you a tonal sketch or high contrast photograph to work from. Maximum size should be 12cm x 10cm.
All other materials and tools will be provided.
To book and for more information call 01492 593413 or email rca@rcaconwy.org
