linocut and drypoint etching of a girl holding a cat
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Mixed Printmaking – Color Linocut and Drypoint Engraving

This is the third in a series of posts showing methods to make mixed printmaking mashups. (You can read the first drypoint and linocut print post here, and the second print mash-up steps are posted here.)

Cummerbund is a small reduction linocut with drypoint engraving, inspired by early 20th century illustrators like Arthur Rackham, and Jessie Willcox Smith.

Meander through the photos of the mixed printmaking process below, and leave a comment if you have any questions. Also, be sure to visit the previous two posts mentioned above… there are more details already documented.

drypoint-engraving-etching-on-plexiglass
Creating the “key block” via a drypoint etching on beveled, clear acrylic plexiglass
printing-a-drypoint-etching
Pulling an artist’s proof print of the drypoint engraving
transferring a drypoint to linoleum
A cognate print: transferring the drypoint print onto a sheet of sanded and prepared linoleum. Pressing the freshly pulled, still-wet drypoint print onto the lino plate will transfer – and reverse – the image onto the linoleum.
reduction-linocut-printing
The first two colors of a figurative reduction linocut drying in the studio
reduction-linocut-printing-process
Printing the third color for Jack-the-cat’s fur.
reduction-linocut-carving-process
Carving more linoleum away from the block before printing the next color. (While listening to this lovely audiobook.)
pulling-a-linocut-and-drypoint
Each color in the edition of this reduction linocut was hand-printed with my favorite wood baren. (You can get a handmade wood baren from Ian Whyte here.)
Pulling the last few colors of the background on this figurative reduction linocut print
Drypoint-print-on-linocut-print
Printing a drypoint engraving from an acrylic plate on top of a reduction linocut print
The plexiglass drypoint plate on the bottom right, next to the color linocut print above it, and the layering of the two in my hand on the left.

Learning to Make Art and Be Creative

Being a beginner as an adult can be a challenge for some of us. (Read tips to overcome struggles while learning to make art.)

If you fit into this category, rest assured that you’re in good company. The catchphrases shared as reminders in memes all over social media prove this; Do it for the Process, Productive Over Perfect, Fire Your Inner Critic, etc. We are all in this together.

You have more control over your own thoughts and reactions during art-making than you might think. For some tips on that, Sadie Valerie wrote a great essay for Realism Today (read it here—>), titled Cultivating Joy While Studying Art.

I’m learning as I go with this series of mixed printmaking mash-ups, and it’s gloriously consuming and fun. What are you working on this season?

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you in the next post –

Belinda

P.S. There are a few gift idea post links for artists: books to improve creative mindset – art supply gift ideas for watercolor artists – and here is a post with gift ideas for beginner printmakers.

P.P.S. Do we already follow each other on Instagram?

Color linocut and drypoint engraving prints drying in the studio
Cummerbund, 5.75 x 5 figurative inch linocut, and drypoint print (Available in my Etsy Shop here.)

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