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

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). The size of the linocut plate will be A5 (200 x 148 mm); this will be the maximum size for the design.

Additional information

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

Student registration: 10am- 10.30am
Course teaching: 10.30am-4.30pm 
Morning session: 10.30am-1pm
Lunch break: 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-4.30pm (optional 15 minute break)
Teaching finishes: 4.30pm  
 

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