1. LINOCUT: A RELIEF ENGRAVING
The technique step by step
The engraver, as opposed to the painter or sculptor, does not have constant control and a vision of his work, because he works in reverse order, at a close distance, in the middle of doubts and risks.
Engraving is an Art in itself and has the same expressive force as painting. It is said to be original when creator and engraver are the same person. .

2. Materials and Tools Linoleum plates Linocut tools (Special cutter) Ink
Several Ink rollers (brayer)
An appropiate type of paper
A Hand-made printing machine

3. 1 Cutting (Carving) linoleum
The artist engraves the parts of the matrix that will be white on the paper; while the parts in relief are inked so that only they will be printed on the paper.
It is very important to look in order to create several textures.

4. 2
INKING THE BASE:
Relief printing is the engraving technique that creates a matrix inked at the moment of printing on the raised parts, while the depressions and the furrows are not inked.
In our case, we use Aquatints, acrylic inks very similar to water colours which are very easy to remove with water.

5. 3
Once the linoleum is inked, each sheet of paper has to be printed.
The paper has to be a special kind: it contains little glue and no wood fibres.
The printing process is done with a hand press or a movable plane passing between two metal rollers.
Linocuts can also be printed manually, placing a sheet of paper over the parts in relief and rubbing the back of the paper with a tool e.g. a spoon.
Printing

6. AFTER PRINTING..
It is very important to control the number of copies because the print is usually only part of a limited edition run.
Then each printed work is signed and numered by the artist´s hand in pencil on each sheet.
Usually, after all the copies are made, the matrix must be destroyed in order to prevent the printing of other copies.
Sometimes , every engraving is accompanied by a certificate of guarantee.