Lino cuts are a form of relief printing that first started appearing in the early 1900's, following the development of linoleum flooring material. Similar in principal to woodblook printing, lino cuts became a popular medium for book and poster illustration as well as being adopted by artists such as Picasso.

I create both monochromatic lino cuts, made from one lino block, and prints that incorporate up to 5 colours. Traditionally each colour is printed from its own block and this is the method I use.

The lino cut process

I start by sketching ideas for my print. Once I am happy with the design and colours, I transfer the reversed design to my lino block.

Using special lino cutting tools I gouge out the areas where I don't want any colour. The tools range from wide flat blades which clear large spaces, to very fine gouges for the detailed work.

If I am using more than one colour I need to cut one block for each colour, making sure they all line up.

I use oil based inks to print the image. The ink is mixed to create the correct colour and rolled out very thinly and evenly on a glass sheet using a roller.

I then transfer the ink to the lino block so the areas of remaining lino are covered with a thin layer of colour.

I put a sheet of paper over the lino, carefully lining it up with registration points, and burnish the back of the paper. I use a well worn wooden spoon. The image has now been transfered to the paper.

If the print uses more than one colour, the process is repeated for each block.