This one-day course introduces you to the creative world of linocut printmaking, focusing on the fundamental skills needed to produce striking single-colour prints. Perfect for complete beginners or those wishing to refresh their printmaking experience, the day provides a hands-on exploration of design, carving, and printing processes.

You’ll begin by learning about the materials, tools, and safety techniques essential for linocut. Through practical demonstrations and guided exercises, you’ll explore how to translate an image into a strong design suitable for printing. You’ll then carve your own lino block, gaining confidence in using cutting tools to achieve different marks and textures.

In the afternoon, you’ll ink and print your design by hand or using a small press, experimenting with contrast, composition, and paper choices. You’ll also learn how to edition your prints and take away a small series of your own unique artworks. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the complete linocut process: from planning and carving to printing and finishing, equipping you with the skills and enthusiasm to continue experimenting at home or in the studio.

Skills covered:

• Understanding linocut tools, materials, and safe working practices
• Designing an image suitable for print
• Carving and mark-making techniques
• Inking and printing using relief inks
• Producing and editioning single-colour prints

Outcomes: You will come away with:

• A set of finished single-colour linocut prints
• Confidence in the basic techniques of relief printmaking
• Knowledge of materials and methods to continue independently
• Inspiration to develop further creative projects

Included

On this course the College will supply all/most/some of the materials including:

• Printing paper (e.g., Somerset Satin/Velvet 300 gsm)
• Lino plates (battleship grey lino + softcut lino)
• Relief inks (Safewash)
• Carving tools
• Ink rollers (brayers)
• Spatulas
• Tracing paper
• 4B–6B pencils

What students need to bring

Reference images or drawings for inspiration (simple, bold designs work best).

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions