What you will learn during the workshop
The Basics of Three-Colour Reduction Linocutting
You will be introduced to the fundamental tools and techniques of this exciting and colourful medium.
Starting from a pre-prepared design, you will be shown how to transfer your image on to the surface of the lino, breaking it down into its lightest, intermediate, and darkest tones and converting those tones into colour. You will draw, cut and then print part of your design, and then repeat that sequence two further times in order to arrive at your final three-coloured print.
You will have ample opportunity to familiarise yourself with the linocutting tools, and explore the range of cutting techniques that the different types of blades have to offer.
You will learn the basics of mixing, rolling out, and applying relief printing inks to your lino plate.
You will also learn a simple and straightforward method for registering your printing paper for each successive layer of printing, using a cardboard template.
Exploring print colour
Linocut printing offers tremendous scope for the exploration of colour within the discipline of three stages of cutting and printing. You will be encouraged to attempt a variety of different colourways when printing your image, and by doing so, to experience the extraordinary richness and expressive potential of print colour.
Reviewing the Results
All through this day-long course, there will be opportunities to review and evaluate the results you’re obtaining, and to receive feedback and suggestions from your tutors. Beginning with a pre-existing image and breaking it down into three layers of printing will encourage you to respond critically to your linocut print as it develops.
What you will need to bring
All tools, materials and paper will be provided; due to the intensive and highly concentrated nature of linocutting, you will be working to an image size no bigger than A4. To help you with your decision-making, once you have signed up for the course and paid your fees, you will be sent a PDF document that gives examples of the sorts of images that work well in three-colour linocutting.
NB:If you need any help, or if you have some questions regarding preparation of your visuals, please do not hesitate to get in touch .
Your Tutors
Matt Dennis is Programme Leader for MA Printmaking, and Senior Lecturer in BA Illustration at Middlesex University. Alongside his teaching work, he has had a long career as a commercial illustrator. His clients include The Royal Mail, The Guardian, The Sunday Times, New Scientist, The New York Times and The Boston Globe.
Tima Aalizadeh is a Persian artist currently based in the UK. In 2024 she graduated with distinction from the MA Printmaking course at Middlesex University. She works primarily with intaglio printmaking processes, addressing themes of immigration and isolation. Her work offers metaphorical interpretations of wider political concerns.
Reduction Linocutting in Three Colours
Sunday May 25th, 10am-5pm
Workshop Fee: £120, payable in advance
How to book
Contact us at print.firstfloor@gmail.com, and you will be sent an invoice for the workshop fee. Once payment has been made via BACS, your place on the workshop will be reserved.
