A step-by-step explanation ofReduction Process Linoleum Block Printing- Part 3

In my previous blogs, I described preparing the block and linoleum carving techniques. I am finally ready to start printing! 

In this installment, I will describe the block printing process which includes color mixing and a technique I use often called a rainbow roll.  When printing a reduction linoleum block, I must print all the paper at the same time. Because I continually carve away from the same block, I cannot go back and print more after the print is completed. This is a little scary, because I am never sure how many will actually sell. After forty plus years in the business, I take my best guess, based on past experience.  Always print a few more than you think you want. A couple will end up in the trash for various reasons.

Color mixing is an important part of printmaking. I use a palette knife to mix my colors and a large piece of plexiglas. I use oil-based block printing ink. Do not use Acrylic paint. It dries too fast. Speedball and other companies make water-based inks. Water based inks are obviously easier to clean, but they do not produce the 

same finish and may not cover as well when layering colors. 

This photo shows two shades of blue ink mixed side-by-side. 

The photo above shows the rainbow roll and the brayer. Brayer is the correct name for the tool that rolls the ink. Below I have a short video demonstrating how I rolled the ink in two directions to have the ink darker on the sides and lighter in the middle. 

Rolling the ink onto the block is an art in itself. I listen for a sandpaper sound as I roll ink out on the Plexiglas. Too much ink will fill in my carving lines;  too little will produce a light print. When I use the rainbow roll technique I must  make sure I roll the ink across the block in the proper direction.  I re-ink the block every time I make a new print. I try to keep the inking consistent throughout the entire edition, or series of prints, but each linocut is a unique work of art.

I press the ink onto the paper using a bamboo barren, used by Japanese woodblock printers. The paper I print on is Japanese Mulberry paper. The barren is pictured below. I turn the block and paper so the paper is face up. I rub the paper, making sure I cover the entire surface area. I also have a short video demonstrating the techniques I have discussed  on my Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/dcastlebabcockart/

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To see my finished Linoleum Block Prints, featuring landscapes of upstate New York and Moonlight Prints,visit my online store at  www.DCastleBabcockArt.com.