Experimenting with block printing

After learning a lot from my initial lino printing attempt, I decided to take it further with a more detailed print. Using one of my own images of a tribal mask, I spent an entire day creating the print.

Step 1 - Marking the design

I began by sketching rough shapes and outlines with a white pencil. Once the guidelines were down, I used a silver sharpie pen to add detail. This was the perfect choice as it stood out clearly against the black lino.

Initial marking in pencil

Starting detail in sharpie

Finished design ready for cutting

Step 2 - Cutting

As the title implies, the next step is to cut the lino. The main decision to make is whether to cut out the negative space (black around the sharpie) or the actual design (silver detail). The final design will vary depending on which choice you make. I chose to cut the black negative space, so my final print would be the mask itself.

Cutting deeply

Step 3 - Testing the print

It is always advisable to test the lino by printing onto paper. This shows where more refined cuts are needed to clean up the final print. I chose to roll a rough background of red paint before applying the lino in black.


My review - need to add more paint and press harder on a flat surface. This will hopefully make the black bolder and more visible.

Preparing the background

Final print