Lino Print & Preparatory Work 04.12.18

04/12/18

Workshop 4

Lino Print & Preparatory Work 

When starting this discipline I remembered when I did it in school myself and I did not have such fond memories of lino printing. I remember it being hard to cut and messy with inks, however I was ready to approach it with a clean slate.

When it came to inspiration for the piece we went in groups of three around the city centre and sketched our surrounding. I was immediately drawn to the architecture and the stark contrast of the solid man made structures and the delicate bare winter trees. I used a variety of mediums to sketch, these included: pencil, charcoal, markers, and a fine liner pen. 

Once I had my initial drawings I focused on how the imagery would look in positive and negative, black and white. I used a variety of mediums to do so. I utilised white paint on black paper, markers, and pen. This helped me to visualise what I would be cutting away and what was remaining. I played with the shapes and imagery in order to create a visual pleasing piece that showcased the patterns created in the city between the man made structures and nature or lack thereof.

Once I had my final composition complete I traced it out and created a series of test prints to get used to the material again.

After I practiced several different types of cuts and prints I started my final piece. I used tracing paper to transfer my drawing to the lino ensure it was backwards so that when it prints the design will print the correct way. I heated the lino on the radiator a few times when working with it as it was very hard to cut. I did a series of test prints with different coloured paper and newspaper, in order to get used to the amount of ink needed. Finally I printed my piece. I was very happy with how it turned out. I think it captures parts of our city and creates an interesting piece. I really enjoyed doing the lino and plan to do it with my first years when I return to teaching after Christmas. 

Test Print

Final Print