How I create texture and space in my prints? Tips on carving techniques!
- dcbabcock1
- Mar 31
- 2 min read
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 color of ink across the surface of the linoleum?
This print, entitled “Woodland Stream”, illustrates several of the carving techniques I use to create texture and space. By holding the cutter at a 90 degree angle and twisting it, I make the red leaves in this print. I use short vertical lines for the grass. The water in this print, which I call my “Japanese woodblock” water, is carved by using long curving lines that follow the edges of the land, alternating white and blue. Notice the lines become wider toward the foreground. The key to making these long lines is to heat the linoleum with an iron for a few seconds. I draw the lines with a Sharpie before I cut. I also turn the block at different angles as I carve, so my free hand is in back of the blade.
If you love this print, let me know. I have sold most of the prints in this edition of 28. I only have two left. It will sell out soon!
In recent Instagram reels, I have created videos demonstrating carving techniques I have developed over the years. Here are the links:
There will be more videos like these coming soon.
If you live near Gloversville, NY, be sure to check out my exhibit at the Micropolis Gallery on Main Street. The show opened March 12th and runs through the end of April.
If you would like to try creating your own three color linoleum block print, contact Kate Hartley at H’ART Gallery and Studio to sign up for my four hour hands-on workshop on April 17th.
Please Subscribe to my newsletter to see all my blogs, and get updates on my shows. To see my finished Linoleum Block Prints, featuring landscapes of upstate New York, dogs and their people, and moonlight prints, visit my online store at www.DCastleBabcockArt.com.
Comments