Four-color wood block print demo

First inking

Press run

Accent linocut

Press run through

Final press run

Final print

This demonstration was given in a Relief Printmaking class at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco.

The original drawing was transferred to the key block. The block was carved and printed with black ink. The print was counter printed onto the rest of the blocks for a total of four blocks. The first yellow block had the moon carved out in order to remain white. Each subsequent block was carved to expose more areas to allow the previous color to show through when printed over the previous color.

1. Yellow Block printed first

2. Red block printed second

3. Blue Block printed third

4. Black Key Block printed last 

Materials

• 4 –– 9” x 6” Shina plywood blocks

• Wood carving tools

• Transfer paper

• Akua Inks (water soluble)

• Brayers

• Registration jig––constructed with 4 ply mat board inspired by the wooden registration jig sold by McClain’s Printmaking Supplies. Economic and easy do-it-yourself version!