This is a new abstract linocut print titled, Borrowed Time. The block print has a graphic feel with circular and triangular geometric shapes contained within a red structure. It’s printed on 16” x 20” white Stonehenge paper.

Borrowed Time (2021) - Lino Print

Part of the process I enjoyed with this particular linocut was coming up with the three colors that would work best - I did tests with different variations. I made the lino print using the jigsaw printmaking technique. In the photo below, you’ll see some of the different carved linoleum blocks I used.

Linoleum Blocks

It’s currently available on Etsy.

I had one of those happy printmaking accidents in the studio this week that I thought I’d share in case someone else finds it useful. Recently, I was using Con-Tact paper and had been saving the backing paper that gets peeled and thrown away. If you don’t know what Con-Tact paper is, it’s that self-adhesive paper that comes in rolls and people use it to line the bottom of drawers and shelves.

Registering multiple linoleum blocks on the back of Con-Tact paper

I’m working on a series of lino prints that requires registering many different linoleum blocks at one time. It occurred to me that the backing paper had a nifty grid printed on it and it might be helpful for lining up my blocks. So, I took a big piece and taped it to my press bed using painters tape. The grid is broken down into 1/4 inch squares.

Linocut Registration Using Gridded Paper

In the example in these photos, I lined up my printmaking paper with the grid lines inside the green tape and lined up my inked lino blocks within the thinner, white masking tape. This ensured at least a one inch margin around my linocut print.

An extra benefit of the paper is that it has a somewhat glossy finish, which is nice when working with messy ink.

The gridded paper I was using is from an 18 inch x 9 foot roll of white Con-Tact paper. Specifically, it’s Con-Tact brand adhesive Creative Covering paper - the solid white version. I happen to have it in other patterns (not white) and the grid on those is slightly different, not quite as useful, and has larger squares.

If you have any questions, just let me know!

I recently finished a new linocut print featuring a tall Ocotillo. You can spot these spindly plants in Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, amongst other places.

This square lino print was made with Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash Relief Ink and Stonehenge paper. Original prints are available on Etsy.

Ocotillo Desert Plant - Linocut Print Artwork

The Carved Linoleum Block Used to Make the Ocotillo Lino Print

I’ve been working on a lot of linocut projects this year, most of which feature patterning, abstractions, line work or geometric forms. Here’s a small selection of some linocut designs from over the last few months.

They’re all carved in battleship gray linoleum blocks with v- and u-gouge carving tools. A couple of the lino prints are finished and available on Etsy.

Line pattern carved in a linoleum block.

Geometric design carved in linoleum. The final print is available on Etsy.

Linocutting a design with a carving tool.

Carved lino block with v-gouge tool. This final lino print is available on Etsy.