1. Creating Multiple Images
RELIEF PRINTMAKING
Creating Multiple Images

2. What is Relief Printmaking?
Relief prints are made from a block that has raised surfaces. Blocks can be made from different materials.

3. Wood Cut printing
A carved block of wood or woodcut, is one kind of relief print.

4. Linocut Prints
Another kind is made from a linoleum block or linocut.

5. Cutting or Carving Tools
Special cutting tools are used for both woodcut and linocut.

6. Foam Prints
An inexpensive form of relief prints are made using a foam board. The artist doesn’t need to use carving tools. A ball point pen or any tool with a small round point will do the job! The printing process is the same for all types of relief printing: wood cut, linocut or foam.
What parts of a ball point pen could you use to carve designs in a foam plate? Predict what kind of marks you think each would make.

7. History
Relief printing was invented in China where both fabrics and books were printed using wooden blocks.
Woodblock printing had reached Europe by the 14th century.
Johan Gutenberg is generally credited with the invention of book printing.
How would you describe what you see in this print?

8. Printmakers
Famous relief printmakers include well-known artists such as
Albrecht Dürer
Paul Gauguin
Käthe Kollwitz
Edvard Munch
How would you describe what you see in this print by Albrecht Durer? .

9. The Printing Process
After carving their design or picture, the artist puts thick ink on the block and presses paper against the block.

10. The Printing Process
The painting paper is carefully placed on the plate and rubbed with a baren. Some artists will also use a wooden spoon for details.

11. The Printing Process
The print is carefully pulled from the plate.

12. Examples of Relief Prints
How would you compare and contrast these two prints of owls?

13. Examples of Relief Prints
How would you compare these two backgrounds? Which do you like best and why?

14. Examples of Relief Prints
What do you think is the main subject of this print and why?

15. Examples of Relief Prints
How would you compare and contrast these two prints?

16. Examples of Relief Prints
How does the addition of color impact the second print?