Color Woodcut printmaking by means of Reduction Block provides some outstanding advantages, as well as disadvantages! The handsome appearance of tight registration of the color shapes, and the minimum of materials are attractive advantages. The fact that the block “self destructs,” so that no reprints can be made, is considered by some printmakers, as a disadvantage. It means that the quantity of prints needs to be decided up front, and all prints of the edition need to be printed with the first color, so that all prints will eventually receive all colors.
The traditional process normally involves printing the lightest color first (highlights first), and the design progresses as some of the block is cut away, and the second lightest color is printed onto each print. The total number of colors could be from two to several. Registration is of the utmost importance, as any variation would cause a blurred look to the print. At the completion of this course, the student demonstrates their knowledge of reduction block woodcut printmaking by:
Transferring a key drawing to the woodblock using tracing paper, carbon paper, and correct pencils;
Safely cutting the basic design with an exacto-knife, and gouging out the highlights;
Mixing the ink for the lightest color, ink the block, register the block and paper, adhere the block to the paper, and print it, using a baren or other rubbing tool;
Draw on the block to map out the shape of the next color/tone;
Cut/gouge out the shapes to reveal the next color/tone, register the block and print it;
If another color/tone is to be printed, repeat the above steps, until all colors are printed.
Syllabus
Week 1: Introductions of the instructor and the students. Introduction to types of wood, ink, tools, and equipment to safely carve and print woodcut prints. Demonstration of transferring a drawing to a lightly-stained basswood woodblock. Demonstration of safely and effectively carving a woodblock. Demonstration of registering the woodblock and paper. Students will transfer their drawings onto woodblocks, and start cutting and gouging their design into the woodblock. Students will begin proof printing the first light color of their edition.
Week 2: Demonstration of safely and effectively carving a woodblock. Students will continue cutting and gouging their design into the woodblock. Students will print the first color of their woodcut onto quality paper. (eight prints suggested.)
Week 3: Demonstration of safely and effectively carving a woodblock. Students will continue cutting and gouging their design into the woodblock. Students will print the second color of their woodcut onto quality paper. (eight prints suggested.)
Week 4: Demonstration of safely and effectively carving a woodblock. Students will continue cutting and gouging their design into the woodblock. Students will print the third color of their woodcut onto quality paper. (eight prints suggested.)
6" x 8" sketch of design is required
