Paper Block Printing Class

With Lucy Holtsnider

*Don’t forget to bring to class a 4 x 6" image of what you'd like to print.

Over this five hour printmaking class we’ll practice drawing, carving, and printing a two-color reductive linoleum print by hand. No experience is required, and we’ll use non-toxic materials and a set of simple tools to make prints that are easy to recreate at home without a press. This class is different from the Block Printing on Fabric class in that we’ll use ink intended for printing on paper, we’ll print on paper instead of fabric, and we’ll use one block that is carved twice to create a reductive two-color print. 

We will start by tracing a photo or a drawing onto tracing paper, and then deciding which colors will go where in the print. Next, we’ll transfer the drawing to the block of linoleum and carve away the first color. We print 10 of this color onto sheets of paper, then carve away the next before completing the final 10 prints! Linocut is a fun and forgiving medium to work in and requires no drawing skills at all. The final prints just look cool no matter what! Participants should bring a sack lunch, close toed shoes, and 4 x 6” or smaller photo to make a drawing from. Everyone receives a set of printed directions and a supply list to jump start their new linocut obsession.

  • 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)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: Yes

  • Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

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

About the Teacher

Lucy Holtsnider is a printmaker and graphic designer based in Denver. In her fine art practice, she prints on a Vandercook SP-15 letterpress out of Zarapes Studios in Denver.  Lucy has taught courses at Colorado College, Yeshiva University, Marist College, and the University of California at Santa Barbara. LucyHoltsnider.com Instagram: @Lucy.Holtsnider