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.
You will need a sketch to make the woodcut print from
