Paper Block Printing Class

With Virginia Diaz Saiki

Please bring a simple, high-contrast 4" x 6" (or smaller) image to work from. 

Create a bold, eye-catching two-color print from just one block in this hands-on, ink-filled workshop! This beginner printmaking class introduces reductive printmaking, a technique where you carve, print, and carve again, layering colors step by step to build a rich, two color image. Watch your design evolve as you transform a simple rubber block into a piece of art. We’ll guide you through the entire reductive process, and you’ll be amazed at what you can create, even if you’ve never drawn before. Using simple, non-toxic materials, you’ll learn skills that you can easily use at home without a press. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, discover a new creative art, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make & Take Home:

• You'll create 10 two-color prints on high-quality paper. Your finished artwork will be perfect for framing, gifting, or starting your own print collection. 

• You'll also take home the materials to make more of your prints, including an instruction and materials sheet, 10 5x7" sheets of card stock, one 4x6" block of linoleum, and ink.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

• Designing an image for the reductive printmaking process

• Transferring a design onto a linoleum block

• Learning the reductive carving technique on a single block

• Understanding how to layer colors effectively

• Properly inking a block and hand-printing on paper

• Safe and effective carving techniques

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

• Linocut carving tools, linoleum blocks, brayers (ink rollers), barens (for hand-printing), and bench hooks.

Class Outline:

1. Design & Transfer: Introduction to the reductive method, adapting your image for a two-color print, and transferring the design to your block.

2. First Layer: Carving away the areas for your first color and printing your first edition of prints.

3. Second Layer: Further carving the same block to create the design for the second color, then printing directly on top of your first layer to complete your image.

4. Wrap-Up: Review of the process, tips for drying prints, resource sharing for at-home practice, and Q&A.

Other Class Details:

• Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

• Class Capacity: 7 maximum, 3 minimum

• Materials Provided?: Bring a 4 x 6" image of what you'd like to print.

• Age Limit: 13+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

• Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

• Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Be prepared to get a little dirty.