Reduction Linocut Summer School

Explore reduction linocut printing, the process which Picasso invented and named ‘suicide printing’ using the motif of a postage stamp. You will learn about the principles behind the processes and design and cut your own reduction prints, successively cutting and printing from the same block of lino until it’s satisfactorily destroyed to produce surprising and multilayered results. You will learn from the history and application of lino cut printing in and out of artist production and be taught the best tips and techniques from an artist with a lifetime of learning and practicing.

Course Structure

Day One

Introductions

A brief practical exercise to run through the whole process of reduction linocutting.

This will include an introduction to:

• Demo of carving and mark making on the lino
• Inking up the block.
• Using the printing press.

Day Two

Introduction and looking at examples of reduction linocutting.

Planning and preparation of your image.

Considerations and choices about each layer of your image:

• Colour
• Shade and tone
• Positive and negative space
• Colour mixing using transparency / opaque inks

Transferring the image to the lino block

Drawing directly onto the block.

Preparing the registration of the lino block and paper.

Carving the block for the first layer.

Inking up and proofing the first layer.

Clean up

Day Three

Discussion of proofs taken

Remedial cutting on first block and planning next steps

Printing off an Edition complete with BAT and artist proofs

Work on cutting second layer of block

Proofing the block

Clean up

Day Four

Discussion of proofs taken

Remedial cutting on second block and planning next steps

Print off the second layer

Work on cutting third layer on print

Proofing the block

Clean up

Day Five

Discussion of proofs taken

Remedial cutting on third block

Printing off the third layer on print

Clean up

Notes on editioning

Group show of final work

Evaluation

About the Tutor

Peter Rapp is an artist working mainly as a printmaker. He makes etchings, linocuts and artist's books. His work deals with themes of political alienation, social division and the impact of economic debility. Peter attempts to use humour and satire as forms of social and political commentary.

Leicester Print Workshop 

Leicester Print Workshop is the regional development centre for printmaking. Established by artists in 1986, we are a registered charity, supported by Arts Council England. Our RIBA award-winning building is situated in Leicester City Centre's Cultural Quarter and is home to a large, well equipped open access Printmaking Studio.

We have over 30 years’ experience of teaching people printmaking. Our programme offers the largest number and broadest range of printmaking courses in the region, with courses suitable for beginners as well as experienced printmakers, delivered by practicing artists and nationally renowned tutors. Participants learn in small and friendly groups in our purpose-designed studio.