From Start to Finish:A step-by-step explanation of Reduction Process Linoleum Block Printing

Reduction linoleum block printing is a complicated process. Many people struggle to comprehend it because everything is reversed. The image reverses left-to-right and the process is subtractive. Being dyslexic,  reduction printing fits the way I think.

I am writing a series of blogs depicting, with words and photos,  the creation of a linoleum block print I recently completed. I hope that this will make reduction printing more understandable.

When people ask, “How long does it take you to make one?” I don’t believe they consider the time it takes to plan the image. Because I am cutting into a piece of Linoleum, I need to know ahead of time exactly what I am going to do. There is no erasing. I generally use four to six sheets of tracing paper to create a planning drawing that depicts the image and notates the colors.

Here is a sample drawing. In this case, I changed the color and the type of dogs several times as I struggled to make them simple but recognizable. I initially thought I would make them colorful, but in the end, I decided on a night scene and made them silhouettes.

Once I was satisfied with my design, I transferred the drawing onto the linoleum. When I draw, I make sure the drawing is the same size as the block I am using.  I use a 4B or 6B charcoal pencil to complete the drawing, which easily rubs onto the block in reverse. When I print, the image will reverse again in the original direction.  As soon as I have the drawing on the block, I use a Sharpie marker to trace my lines so they don’t wash off.

Here is the linoleum block with the drawing on it. I have completed the first stage of carving, which is cutting out the white areas in my print.

In my next blog. I will show you how I print the first color.

I will be conducting workshops in various New York State locations throughout 2026.

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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.