Lino and woodblock relief printing

About this course

Participants develop relief printmaking skills across lino, wood and easy carve surfaces. The course covers transferring designs, carving safely, and producing hand-printed and press-printed work. It introduces single-colour and multi-colour approaches, including reduction, multi-block printing, layering and simple registration. Teaching combines demonstrations, guided exercises, independent projects, one-to-one feedback and group discussion. Learners also explore composition, texture and mark-making while preparing paper and producing editioned prints. There is no formal assessment; learners set personal goals and receive feedback during the course.

What you'll learn

• Prepare and transfer designs onto lino, wood or easy carve surfaces
• Use carving tools safely and effectively
• Print relief designs by hand and with a press
• Apply reduction and multi-block methods to single- and multi-colour prints
• Prepare paper and produce editioned print work

Is this course right for you?

The course is for adults aged 19 or over, including people new to lino or woodblock printing and those with some existing experience. The practical format involves demonstrations, guided exercises, independent project work and group discussion. Learners should be able to follow instructions and work safely with tools.

• No previous experience is required
• Activities can be adapted for beginners and learners with some experience
• Learners set personal goals and receive one-to-one feedback

Before you go

• Basic materials are provided, including an A5 printing plate for learning techniques.
• The studio has printmaking presses and tools.
• Additional materials such as larger plates, specialist papers or tools may be purchased through the college if needed; the tutor advises before purchases.
• No work outside class is required, although learners may choose to sketch, develop ideas or research between sessions.