How Do My Hikes Through the Adirondacks Become Linoleum Block Prints of Upstate NY?

Nature has always been my greatest muse. Living in and exploring the vast, quiet beauty of the Adirondacks shaped not just my identity as an artist but also the way I experience the world. I am Diane Castle Babcock, and I transform these serene, majestic landscapes into hand-carved, original linocuts. Through a process that blends time-honored techniques with personal reflection, I create linoleum block prints that capture the essence of upstate New York—its forests, lakes, mountains, and even its moonlit paths.

Each piece of art begins on a trail, camera in hand and heart wide open, as I hike through the woods and absorb the stillness, movement, light, and texture of my surroundings. Whether I am photographing a birch grove drenched in early morning light or pausing at a mountaintop to sketch an open view, inspiration is everywhere. These hikes are not just for collecting reference images; they are a part of the artistic journey themselves.

As I walk, I also collect pieces of birch bark and branches—elements I later use in handmade birch bark frames, rustic shadow boxes, and crosses that complement my artwork.

The Rhythm of Carving: The Reduction Method

With more than forty years of experience, my chosen method—reduction block printing—has become second nature. I carve away from one block multiple times to build a layered, multicolor image. Each layer must be planned in advance, since every pass through the press removes more of the linoleum. Once a layer is cut, there is no going back. This irreversible process requires trust—in both my vision and my hands.

Creating these prints is much like navigating a trail. There are no shortcuts, and you must take one careful step at a time. I begin with a concept formed on the mountain, sometimes very specific like a favorite stream near a trailhead or the way moonlight casts shadows through trees. Other times, the ideas are more atmospheric, evoking mood and memory rather than a precise location. Regardless of subject, each image in my collection of linoleum block prints of Upstate NY reflects the deep connection I feel to the region’s spirit.

Moments in Nature and the Joy of Observation

My original linocuts are as much about observation as they are about technique. Every dog-walk-turned-midnight-stroll, every shift in cloud cover or season, becomes an opportunity to notice something new. The moonlight series, in particular, emerged from these moments—silent, glowing nights where the world is transformed into something magical and still. These prints don’t just depict a landscape, they evoke the feeling of being there: the crunch of snow underfoot, the hush of a winter night, or the rustle of leaves in a summer breeze.

Sometimes, I include figures—dogs and their humans—because those relationships are such a natural part of my world. Walking with a dog by your side opens up a new level of awareness. You notice the squirrels. You hear distant owls. You stop more often and look closer. That kind of attention is essential to my art.

From Viewpoint to Viewfinder to Print

Every print begins long before I touch a carving tool. It begins when I sit down on a rock, let the wind pass through the trees, and ask myself: what makes this moment worth remembering? That reflection becomes the basis for my composition. Once back in the studio, the photograph or sketch becomes a map. I mentally chart how to layer the colors, which lines to preserve, and how to build texture into flat surfaces. Then begins the careful process of carving, inking, and printing.

The end result is a print that is entirely original—rich with texture, layered with meaning, and deeply tied to a specific sense of place. My collection of linoleum block prints is more than art—it’s a visual diary of my life among the lakes and mountains of New York State.

A Personal Invitation

Creating these pieces is an act of storytelling, rooted in personal experience and shaped by the places I love most. Whether you're familiar with the Adirondacks or discovering them for the first time through my work, I invite you to pause and look closely. Each image is a window into the way I see this incredible landscape—a place I’ve called home and continue to return to in both body and spirit.

From scenic notecards to intricately carved linocuts, my goal at DCastleBabcockArt is to share the wonder of the wild, quiet places of Upstate New York. I hope these prints bring a sense of calm, reflection, and natural beauty into your life, just as creating them does for me.

Disclaimer:  The information in this blog reflects personal experience and artistic perspective. It is not intended as professional advice.