From an Idea to a Print

My Linocut Printmaking Thought Process

I often get asked about my process so I thought I’d write a little about what goes into planning a print.

I have a fondness for Vintage and Scientific Illustration, namely Victorian Woodcuts so these have a strong influence on my work. I really admire the detail in these prints and I try my best to replicate that in my work. The colour choice and composition can really bring a modern edge to the images and change the whole feel of the print.

I love flicking through old books for inspiration although many times a theme or subject will pop into my head and I’ll have to get it down onto paper or more often straight onto lino! I tend to start with a simple drawing, just marking out rough shapes and then carving the detail as I go. For me this works as firstly, I’m too impatient to painstaking draw a detailed design to have to then trace and carve onto the block and secondly, I find this method helps me to carefully consider my carving (or at least it sometimes works!)

The following images show two prints I’ve been working on, the first I wasn’t happy with due to the circle that wasn’t very circular! The second is hopefully an improved carving of a similar design.

Printmaking as an art form is wonderful because it’s such an exciting process; that first roll of ink across the block bringing the image to life and the way even the paper choice can really change the mood of a print. Here, my latest Deep Sea Diver carving I’m working on really illustrates that!

If you’ve made it to the end... thanks for reading my blog and as always, feel free to contact me or comment below if you have any questions!

Amy