Linocut Printmaking: A Guide to Creating Beautiful Prints

This beautiful photography-filled book will inspire and inform printmakers of all abilities, with step-by-step projects from popular linocutting experts.

This shorter-form book from 3dtotal Publishing, from our new series Create & Learn Collection, takes readers through a clear and simple guide to achieving top-quality prints with the linocutting technique.

The invaluable content is written and illustrated by professional artists, including an in-depth introduction by Gareth Barnes (aka Spindle Printer), a printmaker who works from his home studio in Leeds, UK. His work is inspired by history, folklore, the natural world, and vintage illustration, and he sells his work at print fairs around the UK. He discusses the materials used for linocutting, followed by techniques from start to finish, including carving, prepping paper, tips for mixing colours, and pressing and drying. All accompanying by stunning photography of the process in action.

We then have specific projects from global artists, including Dutch printmaker Esther van Dam, Anna Hermsdorf from Germany, and Mary Ann Testagrossa from California, USA. Their tutorials include simple and more advanced version of multiblock prints and reduction prints, as well as a jigsaw print and the technique of reprinting a pattern on fabric. Photographs accompany each step of each process, alongside clear written instructions from the artist.

With a compact format and short, clear tutorial steps, this book is ideal for those wanting a quick reference guide or more relaxed approach from a tutorial book. It’s an ideal gift for an artist friend just discovering their printmaking passion, or a must-buy for linocutters wanting to discover how the professionals create their stunning prints.

Introduction writer Gareth Barnes aka Spindle Printer isoriginally from New Zealand and now living in Leeds, UK. He works as a printmaker from his home studio and his work is inspired by history, folklore, the natural world, and vintage illustration. He can often be found selling his work at print fairs around the UK. He’s on Instagram as @spindle_printer and has 27K followers.

Contributor Esther van Dam aka Studio Tokek has 199K Instagram followers (@studio.tokek). She is an illustrator, printmaker, and pattern-lover based in the Netherlands. She makes stamps for her own collection of print fabrics and for various customers all over the world.

Contributor Anna Hermsdorf is based in Germany and has 121K Instagram followers. She is a printmaker and tattoo artist and works on personal projects such as linoprints of themed girls portraits, custom tattoo work for clients, and an online course for linoprint beginners.

Edited by 3dtotal Publishing, based in Worcester, England, UK. 3dtotal publish high-quality art books dedicated to bringing invaluable training to beginners, hobbyists, and professionals alike. Their books feature top industry professionals from around the globe who share their experience in skillfully written step-by-step tutorials and guides. Illustrated throughout with stunning artwork, these best-selling publications offer creative insight, expert advice, and essential motivation.