Advanced Woodcut

This course will provide an introduction to woodcut printmaking. Fundamental relief techniques will introduce you to the tools and methods needed to allow you to carve and print from your own relief woodblocks. We will explore carving techniques to obtain a range of textures, depth and contrast to create strong visual statements in your artwork. We will examine the conventional and contemporary practice of these techniques, to gain an understanding of how these tools can be applied in the expanded field of printmaking.

Please note: this is a 9-session course. Fleisher will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day.

Special Notes

This is an in-person class which will take place onsite at Fleisher. Please review our COVID-19 community safety policies for current guidelines.

Tuition Assistance is Available

To make our classes and workshops accessible to everyone, Fleisher offers tuition assistance every term so that everyone can join our creative community. Tuition assistance applications can be completed once registration is open by clicking here. The deadline to apply for spring term assistance is Friday, March 10; Notifications will be sent by Monday, March 13.

What you will learn:

  • To identify the difference between the woodcut and other printmaking processes

  • To carve wood blocks safely using different techniques of mark making

  • To print your wood blocks by hand

  • To know the reasons for choosing their wood and paper and the outcomes to expect

  • To gain an understanding of the role of woodcut printmaking in historical and contemporary contexts

  • Topics Covered:
    – Prepping blocks for carving
    – Transferring drawings to the block surface
    – Carving wood (large areas and small details)
    – Textures and mark-making in wood
    – Registration
    – Mixing oil-based inks for relief printing
    – Printing by hand with a barren or spoon
    – Editioning, signing and numbering prints
    – Monotype methods (painterly prints)
    – Split fountain inking
    – Reductive prints
    – Printing with a press
    – Water-based mokuhanga printing

Required Supplies:

  • Your lab fee provides for some supplies, and the use of studio materials. Students are required to purchase additional supplies. We will go over required supplies at our first meeting.

  • Sketchbook

  • Newsprint for proofing

  • Drawing materials

  • Carving tools

  • Wood or alternate material for carving

  • Relief inks (oil-based or water based)

  • Roller or brayer for applying oil-based inks

  • Brushes for applying inks

  • Barren or spoon for hand printing

  • Printing papers

  • Non-slip mat or bench hook

  • Palette knives for mixing inks

  • Ink additives

  • Apron

  • Case for carrying supplies

  • Portfolio or tube for carrying paper

  • Containers for saving mixed inks