Linocut Reduction Printing
A single linoleum block is used in the process of linocut reduction printing. After the composition is drawn onto the block with a black permanent Sharpie marker, the first cuts are made in the block to remove areas that I want to be white in the print. Then the first color of ink, usually a light color, is rolled on the entire block with a brayer, the first sheet of paper is laid on top of the block, and this is rolled through the printing press. The process of inking and printing is repeated with each paper...so, there are say, 12 sheets of paper with a light yellow ink, and white images where the block was cut away originally. This process is repeated, the cutting, inking and printing, as many times as it takes to complete the image desired. Each time the block is cut away, it allows the next ink printed to cover only the remaining surface, therefore the colors of previous inks are preserved.