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Planning is everything: I'm finally ready to carve-Part 2
At this point, I have already spent several hours and I haven't begun to carve this block, which will be a 12 x 20 inch framed reduction print. In part one of the series, I described the process of drawing on tracing paper and transferring the drawing onto the linoleum and tracing my rubbing lines with a Sharpie. I keep my original drawing close by throughout the process. I am constantly referring to it so I know what to do next. Things get complicated with a five color reduc
dcbabcock1
Jun 221 min read


Planning is everything:How I prepare my linoleum block-Part 1
Because I use the reduction process, cutting multiple colors from one piece of linoleum, planning is essential. Once I cut something out of the block, there is no going back. I need to know what the image will look like, what colors I am going to use, and the order in which I will print my colors. My first step is to trace the outside edge of the block onto a piece of tracing paper. This ensures the drawing is the same size as my block. I use tracing paper because it has v
dcbabcock1
Jun 152 min read


Two new Linoleum Block Prints in Progress
I am finally settling back in after my well-deserved vacation. I have just started two new blocks in preparation for the show season. My full moon prints are best sellers. I have three editions that are almost sold out so it’s time to get to work on something new. Here’s a photo of the block, so far, and a video showing me printing the first color. At this stage I have only cut out the white areas of the image., which is the full moon and the reflection of the moon in the w
dcbabcock1
Jun 32 min read


Should I buy it Matted or Framed?Framing Makes a Difference!
I offer my linoleum block prints unmatted, matted or framed to give my customers options, depending on their situation. Here are the pros and cons of each of these options. Unmatted I sell my unmatted prints on a Foamcore backing; usually the backing is cut to my recommended frame size. I print on Japanese Mulberry Paper, which is very fragile. I have found this is the best way to protect the art. Unmatted prints are the best option for customers who do their own framing or
dcbabcock1
Jun 32 min read


Plan a Shopping Trip to One of These Great Galleries this Summer
I have been working diligently to create a better shopping experience on my online store. However, nothing beats seeing the artwork in person. If you can’t make it to a show and want to see my original work, here are three galleries where you can shop: Gallery 46 in Lake Placid, NY Gallery 46 is located right on Main Street in Lake Placid. There is a variety of high quality fine art and fine craft, featuring, of course, images of the Adirondacks. I just delivered twenty plus
dcbabcock1
May 202 min read


My 2026 Show Schedule!
Although it was 35 degrees when I woke up this morning, I know that the art festival season is upon us. When I realize we are almost half way through 2026, I get a little panicked. I have been applying to shows all winter long and my show schedule is set. Here’s a preview of what I have booked this year: Corn Hill Arts Festival: This show takes place in the historic Corn Hill neighborhood of Rochester New York on July 11th and 12th. I am usually on Atkinson Street, but I hav
dcbabcock1
May 122 min read


Can Linoleum Prints Turn a Simple Sketch Into Layered Art?
Art often begins with a quiet idea, a rough sketch, or a shape noticed during a walk through the city. From there, the creative process slowly grows into something textured and expressive. Printmaking brings that feeling to life through layers, color choices, and thoughtful carving techniques. Among the many styles used in modern workshops and studio sessions, linoleum block art demonstrations in NY, continue to draw attention from artists and curious beginners who enjoy hand
dcbabcock1
May 124 min read


Finding Beauty in Everyday -ThingsArtistic Inspiration from my trip to the west coast
I am writing this as I gaze out the window of a cruise ship heading for British Columbia, so this will be short and sweet. Most of my photos are on my DSLR, but here are a couple examples of what I've seen so far. There are a lot of block printers I. the area. Here is one example that transformed into a shop sign. Wildlife is abundant. I saw whales yesterday, and here is an Eagle from the day before. Here is the sample of the landscape: Next week I will be home and ready to w
dcbabcock1
May 51 min read


Finding Beauty in Everyday -ThingsArtistic Inspiration from my Dog Walks
I haven’t been able to make prints for a couple of weeks now. The rest of my life, professional and personal, has gotten in the way. I am anxious to start something new. Today I am going to share with you a few photos I have taken during my daily dog walks that I hope to use as the basis for new prints. I have learned that I don’t have to go somewhere exotic to find beauty in the world around me. These are parks I visit frequently and can always find something intriguing as
dcbabcock1
Apr 282 min read


How I work from photos to create an original Linoleum Block Print?
It starts with an idea running around in my head about the image I want to create. Sometimes I am able to work totally from imagination or memory, but most times I need a little help from the numerous photos I have taken during my time out walking and hiking. The concept was to portray the beginning of the trail; most people take photos once they reach the summit, but the beginning of the journey is important as well. Here are two photos I used as inspiration for my linocut
Ilma Khannum
Apr 232 min read


What Kind of Art am I Looking at?
Oftentimes people come into my booth during an art festival and ask, "What kind of Art is this?". Many otherwise intelligent and educated people have little knowledge when it comes to prints and reproductions. This is due to a lack of good art education in our public schools and artists who provide misinformation when it comes to selling reproductions. Today I am going to clarify the difference between Linocuts (or Linoleum Block Prints), Etchings, and Giclee's. Below are p
dcbabcock1
Apr 152 min read


Why I Believe a Birch Bark Picture Frame Can Transform Your Home Decor?
Have you ever wondered how a simple frame can completely change the way your art or photos feel in a room? When I first discovered a birch bark picture frame, I was amazed at how much warmth and character it added to my space. Unlike regular frames, the natural texture of birch bark brings a subtle, organic elegance that immediately draws attention and complements any artwork. Over time, I’ve learned how to choose, display, and care for these frames to make the most of their
dcbabcock1
Apr 13 min read


How I create texture and space in my prints? Tips on carving techniques!
Some of you may remember carving a linoleum block at sometime in your past. Beginners usually focus on shapes of different colors to create a print. The challenge is to get variations in value and to achieve visual texture among the elements in a landscape. Tree bark, leaves, grass and pine needles have their own distinct texture. If you are trying to achieve different tones of the same color, how do you use your carving tools to create shades, since you are rolling a flat
dcbabcock1
Mar 312 min read


What Shall I Make Next?- Part 4 How I capture a customer’s favorite place in a work of art
Customers come into my booth at an art festival and a familiar scene catches their eye. It’s a view of a popular lake or mountain, but it’s not THEIR PLACE. It is impossible for me to make a print of every view of every lake and mountain in the Adirondacks. There’s a ton of them! In this situation, I offer to do a commission of their location, based on a customer’s photo. The customer then sends me photos and I do a sketch based on their instructions. Sometimes I need to
dcbabcock1
Mar 262 min read


What Shall I Make Next? - Part 2
I always have a backlog of ideas for my next linoleum block print, and my customers do influence what comes next. In some cases I have a specific request from a customer, or in this case, from a gallery. The Arts Center of Lake Placid is hosting a special exhibition entitled “The Art of Flight,” which will open in May. I was thrilled to be assigned the Loon as the subject matter for my submission. I have done several Loon prints over the years and they are always very popul
Ilma Khannum
Mar 162 min read


Why Are These Linoleum Prints Capturing Attention Today
Art has a gentle way of slowing us down, inviting us to look a little closer and feel a quiet story unfold. Many people begin exploring handcrafted pieces to bring warmth into their homes, and somewhere along that journey, they discover the charm of traditional printmaking. Within this space, the appeal of linoleum block prints for sale often emerges naturally, offering a textured beauty that feels both timeless and refreshing. Before we explore more, let’s ease into the worl
dcbabcock1
Mar 123 min read


What Shall I Make Next? - Part 1
Thankfully, I have more ideas than I have time to execute. I have never experienced a creator’s block; I can always come up with ideas for my linoleum block prints. That’s what keeps me working. When I get to the point where I am no longer motivated to create or my body gives out, I will know it’s time to retire. God willing, I have years ahead of me to work. So how do I decide what’s next? You, my customers and followers, help me make that decision. You may have noticed I
dcbabcock1
Mar 102 min read


A step-by-step explanation ofReduction Process Linoleum Block Printing-Part 7
This is the final step of the reduction print! I hope you can guess the next step in the process. I have finished printing the light blue for the snow, which is my third color. I will cut out the parts of my design that should remain light blue. I always refer to my initial drawing to check my work. As you can see, the only thing left raised on the linoleum block is the evergreen tree. I chose to use a slight dark-to-light rainbow roll on the tree because the star is d
dcbabcock1
Mar 32 min read


A step-by-step explanation ofReduction Process Linoleum Block Printing-Part 6
At this point in my blog, I hope I have shed some light on the reduction linoleum block printing process. Since I have just finished black, my second color, I will cut out the parts of my design that should remain black. I always refer to my initial drawing to check my work. In this case, I am cutting out the dogs. I chose to print black second because I knew it would be easier to cut out the dogs rather than cut out the background around them. The dogs also have some whi
dcbabcock1
Feb 232 min read


A step-by-step explanation ofReduction Process Linoleum Block Printing-Part 5
How do you get the different colors? This is a question I frequently hear when I go to an Art festival. People reading this may have done a single color Linoleum block print; in this blog, I will discuss how I get multiple colors from one block and registration. Since I printed the blue rainbow roll last time, I now refer to my planning drawing to see which parts of my design should be that color. In this case, the sky and the shadows beneath the dogs will stay blue, so that
dcbabcock1
Feb 162 min read
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