Learn how to make a one-colour linocut print
- Michelle Hughes
- Mar 10, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 12
I’m Michelle Hughes, a professional linocut artist. I teach linocut workshops and online lino printing courses.
I frequently receive questions about printing and patchy ink coverage on linocut prints. I’ve added more detailed content to my beginner's online lino printing course to help you achieve uniform ink coverage on prints. In addition to step-by-step on-screen PDF guides, I’ve filmed demos showing three different types of ink on various types of paper.
Water-based ink
Caligo Safe Wash oil-based ink
Hawthorns stay-open traditional oil-based ink
Plus, there’s a demo showing how to clean up each of these inks.
My online courses are pre-recorded, so you can watch at your own pace. I’m here for support throughout.
Online course printing snippet
“Brilliant! I have always wanted to learn how to linocut, but didn’t know where to start. This course has given me all the basic steps to begin, but also inspired me with ideas of how to mark make in order to progress designs. Very clear and concise, I also loved that I can pause the content or slow it down to really study the technique. Thank you, Michelle.” Emma
About the course:
Beginner's Guide to Linocut Printing
Learn how to make a one-colour linocut print at home. This online course is aimed at beginners who want to learn simple lino printing techniques.
You will learn how to carve a variety of mark-making techniques using linocut tools and print your design by hand, without a printing press. The course includes six lessons.
Learn how to:
Create a simple one-colour linocut print.
Carve a variety of mark-making techniques using linocut tools.
Create your own design or use the provided templates.
Print your linocut block by hand.
Make linocut prints that you can frame or make into cards.
Lesson 1 - Introduction
What is lino printing?
Tools and materials for lino printing.
Lesson 2 - Carving lino
How to use the lino tools.
How to carve a design for lino printing.
How to make different types of mark-making in lino.
Lesson 3 - Inking and printing lino
Learn how to print by hand using water-based inks, Caligo SafeWash inks and Hawthorn’s oil-based inks.
Learn how to clean up each type of ink without using solvents.
Lesson 4 - Planning your design
How to plan a design for lino printing and transfer your design onto lino.
Lesson 5 - Projects to try
Examples of three nature-themed lino print projects to try.
Lesson 6 - Resources
Lino print design templates. Botanical photos for inspiration.
The course includes:
Online self-paced learning.
Instructional videos and step-by-step guides.
Demonstrations of a mark-making sampler and five lino print designs.
2.5 hours of video content.
Full access for one year, so that you can study at your own pace at home.
Design templates.
Lots of hints and tips from a professional linocut artist.
Creative community and support.
“I have been wanting to do some linocut printing for a long time, but have always been too nervous to make the leap, as I was unsure of where to begin. This course was just the thing I needed; it has taught me all the basics, inspired me, and I am now confident enough to start. Thank you, Michelle.” Richard
Online course trailer
Frequently asked questions
What materials do you need for lino printing?
Beginner lino cutting tools: Approx £5 - £8.
SoftCut or easy carve lino: A pack of five A5 (150x100mm) sheets is approx £4.
Water-based printing inks: Approx £8 per colour. Ink roller or brayer: Approx £5.
Alternatively, a beginner's starter set costs around £20 to £30.
Full details in my course notes, or read an overview in my linocut materials blog.
What other materials do you need for the online course?
A piece of safety glass to roll ink onto.
A wooden spoon.
Printing paper
Inexpensive photocopy paper or newsprint for test printing
Tracing paper.
General art supplies: Pencils, pens, an eraser, a steel ruler, a craft knife and a cutting mat.
Is this course suitable for complete beginners?
My online course is suitable for complete beginners who want to learn lino printing, as well as for those who want to further develop their skills. You can see examples of previous students' work on my website.
Help, I can’t draw!
You don't need to worry if you can't draw, as I've drawn a selection of nature and botanical-themed templates for you to download and use.
Is there any online support if I have any questions?
You can access online support via my private Facebook group and my monthly live Zoom Q&A, or email me directly.
When does the course start, and how long will I have access to it?
You will have access to the course for one year, and you can study at your own pace and at home.
How long does the course take?
The course takes the same amount of time as my one-day, in-person linocut workshop, but with this course, you can revisit each of the techniques demoed in the videos and carve and print as many or as complex linocut designs as you like.
Do I need internet access for the course?
The videos and on-screen PDFs are all available to stream, and the linocut materials PDF and design templates PDF are downloadable.
Learn How to Make Linocut Prints
Linocut Online Courses
Self-paced learning with step-by-step videos and guided projects.
Beginner’s Guide to Linocut Printing
How to Make a Multi-Block Linocut Print
Linocut Workshops in York
Small groups (max 4) for hands-on tuition in my print studio.
Level 1: Introduction to Linocut Printing
Level 2: “Jigsaw” Linocut Printing
Level 3: Multi-Block Linocut Printing
Linocut Book
Printing Birds and Wildlife in Linocut
by Michelle Hughes
A practical step-by-step guide for beginners and experienced printmakers.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make linocut prints with confidence, whether it’s simple one-colour linocut prints or more advanced multi-block and reduction techniques, my new book will guide you through every stage of the process.
Keep in touch
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I only send monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) news
About your teacher
Hello, I’m Michelle Hughes, a professional linocut artist and designer in York, UK. I started lino printing on a shoestring, spending about £20 on beginner's lino tools and materials. Things snowballed from there!
I trained in fashion design and worked as a textile, homeware and clothing designer, developing ranges for high-street retailers for 25 years.
In 2016, I started my own business to create a range of linocut prints. I now sell my original linocut prints through my online shop, art galleries and events. I’m inspired by landscapes and nature around the UK.
I have taught over 1,000 students through my online courses and linocut workshops in my York studio.
As a self-taught linocut artist, I understand the problems and challenges you may encounter. I want to help you by sharing my skills and what I’ve learned.
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