Koala Linocut Reduction Print
Create a two-colour linocut print of one of Australia's favourite marsupials.
Total: $0.00
A reduction print is a multicolour print in which the separate colours are printed from the same lino block at different stages!
Get your supplies!
You will need:
Micador Easy Cut Lino Squares
Micador Lino Carving Tools
Micador for Artists Lino Block Printing Inks
Micador Hard Rubber Rollers
Glass or acetate sheet (for rolling ink)
Grey Lead Pencil
Permanent Marker
Palette knife (for mixing inks)
Paper towel (optional)
Step 1: Draw or trace your lines!
Please download the koala template for use as reference. In preparation for drawing onto your lino make sure you have your reference in front of you. It’s important to have your design thought out before you begin, this way you will have a clear idea of how your finished piece will look.Using a graphite pencil, draw or trace your koala design onto the lino.
Step 2: Go over with permanent marker!
Once you’re happy with your design, use a permanent marker to draw over your pencil lines. NOTE: We use a Micador Stay Anywhere Permanent Pen so that the lines don’t wash away after inking the lino in the first stage of printing.
Step 3: Start cutting!
Begin by cutting out all the parts that are to remain white. For example; nose, around the eyes, fur and tree highlights. Use the small 'V' shaped tool for this precision cutting. NOTE: Our first print will be the background with our white areas reversed out.
Step 4: Mix inks!
Mix your ink colour. We made several colours including pink, green and mustard. Feel free to experiment with mixing unique colours.
Step 5: Roll your inks!
Using your roller on a smooth surface, roll your ink. Ensure your roller is evenly covered. Then roll your ink onto your cut lino. Note: We used a glass panel, but a sheet of acetate on a flat surface will work just as well.
Step 6: Line up your paper and print your first colour!
Take time to ensure your paper is positioned to print precisely where you want it. Carefully place your paper onto your inked lino. Use a rubber roller and firmly roll over the paper to transfer the ink onto the paper. Carefully lift your paper from the lino and you will see your print! Repeat this step for the amount of prints you would like. We made 10 koala prints. Allow to dry for at least 3 hours. NOTE: if you don’t have a rubber roller use a spoon, your hand or something smooth and flat to rub the paper.
Step 7: Wash!
Wash your roller and glass or acetate in preparation for the second colour. Notice the black lines of the permanent marker remain on the lino as a guide for further cutting.
Step 8: Second cutting!
Now it’s time cut away the areas you want to remain pink. In this piece we want a large portion of the background to stay pink. We use the wide ‘U’ shaped tool for cutting out this large area.
Step 9: Roll black ink!
Using your roller on a smooth surface, roll with black ink. Roll your black ink onto your cut lino.
Step 10: Print black ink!
Line up your print and carefully place your paper onto your black inked lino. Again, use a rubber roller and firmly roll over the paper to transfer the ink onto the paper. Carefully lift your paper from the lino and you will see your finished print! Repeat this step for the amount of prints you have made. Allow to dry for at least 3 hours.
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