Learn how to make a two and three-colour linocut print, using the multi-block technique
Updated: Oct 9
I'm very excited to launch 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 block-printing method uses more than one piece of lino 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.
Advice on tools and equipment 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, because it registers more accurately. Soft cut or easy carve lino can also be used.
The demonstrations show one design printed with water-based inks and the other with oil-based inks. This is purely to show you the difference.
Example 1: A two-colour linocut print
An easy design to register (line up each printed colour). 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 multi-block print design. I'll show you how to make one design 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 line 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 for people who have already learnt how to carve and print a one-colour print and want to further develop their skills.
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 what I’ve learnt. I now use the multi-block technique to make all my multi-colour linocut prints.
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 also to my course testers for their invaluable feedback.
Hope you can join me.
Michelle
Would you like to learn how to make a linocut print?
Whether you’re completely new to linocut or ready to develop your skills, I offer online linocut courses and hands-on workshops in York to help you learn at your own pace.
Linocut Online Courses
Learn from home with step-by-step video lessons, guided projects and online support.
Beginner’s Guide to Linocut Printing: Learn the basics and make your first one-colour linocut print.
How to Make a Multi-Block Linocut Print: Build your skills and learn how to create colourful multi-block prints.
Linocut Workshops in York
Join me in my York garden studio for a relaxed, hands-on linocut workshop. Classes are kept small, with a maximum of four people, so there’s plenty of individual tuition and time to ask questions.
Level 1: Introduction to Linocut Printing
Level 2: “Jigsaw” Linocut Printing
Level 3: Multi-Block Linocut Printing
My book: Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut
Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut by Michelle Hughes is a practical, step-by-step guide to creating your own linocut prints. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced printmaker, the book covers everything from simple one-colour prints to jigsaw, reduction and multi-block techniques, with plenty of guidance to help you develop your own ideas and confidence.
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About Michelle
I’m Michelle Hughes, a North Yorkshire landscape artist and printmaker based in York. My original linocut prints are inspired by the Yorkshire Coast, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the wider British countryside.
I gather ideas and take photographs while walking and cycling, then bring them back to my garden studio in York. I simplify my photographs into bold, stylised designs, carve them into lino blocks and hand-print each limited edition on my etching press using oil-based inks.
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