Lino Reduction Printmaking Workshop

Lino Reduction Printmaking Workshop with Jenny Mason-Gunning ARBSA.

Participants will learn lino reduction plate making and printing, exploring multi-layer colour techniques using safe, professional methods suitable for home or studio practice.

Learners will develop the ability to carve multiple layers from a single lino block, understanding how to plan and sequence colours, register each layer accurately, ink and roll consistently, and print both by hand and using a press. They will gain confidence in controlling colour, detail, and alignment across several print stages.

Age group and abilities to be taught      

• 18 years and above
• Ideal for beginners and experienced artists

Course aims and skills/knowledge to be taught

• Gain a clear understanding of the full reduction printing process, from design and block preparation through to multi-layer printing
• Explore tools, carving techniques, safe handling, ink mixing, rolling methods, and professional registration systems
• Learn to use registration pins and tabs, and how to maintain accurate alignment throughout the reduction process
• Produce a small edition
• Leave with the knowledge and confidence to continue lino reduction at home, using either hand printing or a press

Course outline for the day

Morning activity

• Short introduction and talk on reduction linocut, tools, ink, papers, and registration
• Demonstration of designing and carving the fist layer of the lino block
• Participants will begin carving their own lino block and preparing for the first colour layer

Afternoon activity

• Demonstration of inking, rolling, registration pins/tabs, and printing the first colour
• Participants will print their first layer by hand and on the press, then carve and print subsequent layers
• Final prints completed, with guidance on sequencing, troubleshooting, and how to continue working at home
• A press will be available during the workshop, but participants will also be shown hand-printing methods so they can continue working confidently at home. Registration pins used in the workshop are chargeable if students wish to take them home. Students are welcome to bring their own registration pins or use the tutor’s own band and Ternes Burton systems can be discussed.

What you need to bring with you:

• A selection of drawings or photographs you would like to develop into a reduction linocut
• An apron
• Marigold or nitrile gloves
• A pack of baby wipes
• Students may bring their own registration pins if they already use a system at home

What we will provide:

• Lino blocks for reduction printing
• Water-washable and oil-based inks
• Rollers
• Printing paper
• Newsprint
• Lino carving tools
• Registration pins and tabs (available to use during the workshop; learners may purchase these if they wish to take them home)
• Example’s of the tutor’s work
• Etching press and blankets, plus hand-printing barens
• Nitrile gloves
• Scrim and muslin
• Cotton buds
• Ink scrapers and palette knives
• Paper fingers
• A copy of the tutor’s book for reference

Methods of assessing outcomes

• Feedback from tutor
• Group discussion
• Completion of evaluation form