Learn how to make a two and three-colour linocut print, using the multi-block technique

I'm very excited to be launching my follow-on online course!

This has been my lockdown 3 project through the winter months and early spring.

Learn how to make a multi-block linocut print.

This is the method I now use to create all my multi-colour landscape prints.

About the course

I will show you how to create a two and three-colour linocut print at home using the multi-block technique.

This is a method of block printing in which more than one piece of lino is used to create a design. Often each colour to be printed is carved onto a separate lino block.

Learn how to:

Create a multi-colour linocut print using the multi-block technique.
Plan a design for multi-block printing.
Make a registration device or jig.
Accurately register each lino block so that each colour lines up in a print.
Print your design by hand, using water-based or oil-based inks.
Create a linocut print that you can print as an edition.

The course includes:

Online self-paced learning.
Step-by-step guides and instructional videos.
Demonstrations of two multi-block print designs from start to finish.
Tools and equipment advice as downloadable PDFs.
Hints and tips.
Creative community and support.

Course trailer

I will explain the process through two examples, one design that is easier to register (line up the lino blocks for printing) and one that is more complex, which is usually how I make my prints.

The designs are carved into traditional grey artists' lino, as accurate registration is easier. Soft cut or easy carve lino can also be used.

The demonstrations show one design being printed using water-based inks and the other using oil-based inks. This is purely so that you can see the difference.

Example 1: A two-colour linocut print

An easy design to register (line up each of the printed colours). Hand-printed using water-based inks.

Example 2: A three-colour linocut print

A more advanced design to register. Hand-printed using oil-based inks.

How to plan a multi-block linocut print

I'll explain different ways to create a design for multi-block printing. I'll show you how one design can be made in different ways.

How to make a registration device or jig

You’ll learn 3 different ways to make a registration device. This is the method I use to ensure each colour in each print lines up.

How to transfer a design from one lino block to another

I’ll show you two different ways to transfer the design from one lino block to another.

This course is aimed at people who have already learnt how to carve and print a one-colour print and would like to develop their skills further.

Being a self-taught linocut artist, I understand many of the problems and challenges you may encounter. I want to help you by sharing my skills and the things that I’ve learnt. The multi-block technique is the method I now use to make all my multi-colour linocut prints.

Online course details

Online self-paced learning.
Full access for one year so that you can study at your own pace and at home.
Instructional videos and step-by-step guides.

Beginners guide to linocut printing

Learn how to carve a variety of mark-making techniques using linocut tools and print your design by hand.

How to make a multi-block linocut print

Learn how to make a two and three-colour linocut print at home using the multi-block technique.

See my linocut workshops and online courses page for links to each of my courses.

A huge thank you to my proofreader, Sarah Carette, for checking all 13,000 written words and the 90 minutes of tutorials and demonstrations in my multi-block course! Thank you to my course testers and their invaluable feedback too.

Hope you can join me.

Michelle

About your teacher

I’m Michelle Hughes, a professional linocut artist and designer in York, UK. Trained in fashion design, I worked in the design industry as a surface pattern, giftware, homeware and clothing designer, developing ranges for high-street retailers for 25 years.

In 2016, I set up my own business to create my own range of linocut prints. My inspiration is taken from British landscapes and nature around the UK. I sell my original linocut prints through my online shop, art galleries and events.

I teach linocut workshops in my York garden studio. To date, I have taught nearly 40 in-person workshops to over 150 students. I started out on a shoestring, spending about £20 on beginner’s lino-cutting equipment. Things snowballed from there!