Relief Printmaking
Adult Class | This program is completed
Ever wanted to make your own prints? Come learn easy ways to make prints in class and that you can make at home. We’ll be exploring relief printing, also known as block printing. We’ll start with easy to carve rubber blocks, then move on to linoleum blocks. We’ll print by hand with thin papers. We’ll also use a table-top Vandercook relief proofing press. Adventurous students can explore 2 & 3 color prints, both hand printed and on the press.
What you will learn:
1. Knowledge of the basic history of linocut relief printmaking
2. Basic knowledge of simple linocut carving tools
3. Basic knowledge of printing my hand and using a small proofing press
4. Handle printmaking paper, mix color, register layers; curate/sign/number an edition of prints
5. Work in the community setting with shared materials and equipment; clean work area and tools
- Your lab fee provides for some supplies and the use of studio equipment. You should purchase the additional supplies. Note: some of the following are a choice between one and another; and some are optional.
• Relief block(s): One or more:
- Soft: “Soft-Kut”, “Blick Ready Cut”, or “Speedball Speedy Carve" Rubber Blocks
- Linoleum block. Mounted or unmounted
- Wood, such as Shina plywood blocks, available from McClain’s.
• Paper. Should be soft and thin. Get one or more…
- Rice. A good choice would be Yasutomo Sumi Paper, 50 sheet pad, 12” x 18”. Or Washi, available from McClain’s. Or any rice paper that is recommended for relief printing.
- Western rag paper. Rives Lightweight. 115gsm. 19x26”. Optional: heavier papers such as BFK Rives or Sommerset Velvet.
- Newsprint paper. This is for proofing, sketching, and protecting. A pad of newsprint is also an excellent portfolio for carrying prints when used with binder clips. 18x24” Rough surface.
• Carving tools. Yasutomo-Niji woodcarving set. 7 or 12 piece set.
• Relief inks. Black and some colors will be provided by the studio. However, you may choose to get some of your own, particularly when working with color. Choose one type:
- Oil based, such as Gamblin Relief Ink. (Note, even with oil-based ink, we practice low and non-toxic clean up methods.) Still the best.
- Water-washable oil: Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink or Speedball Professional Relief Ink. This cleans up entirely with water.
• Sketchbook. For your own thinking process. A sketchbook you already use is great.
• Non-slip shelf-liner or bench hook. The studio will supply bench hooks for use during class; however you may want your own to work at home.
• Drawing materials (pencils, pens, markers). For sketching and drawing on your block.
• Apron. The studio has shared aprons for you to use during class, but you may want your own.
• Tracing paper and/or transfer paper. (Optional) For transferring a drawing from paper to your block. Otherwise, you can draw directly upon your block.
• Conte crayon. Sanguine color, for use with tracing paper.
• Snap-off utility blade (optional) such as Olfa, to supplement your carving tools.
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