What is a Linocut Print?

I have been trying to figure out an easy explanation for the process of linocut printing.  This is what I have come up with for you.

Tools for printing - gouge, ink rollers, carving block, ink.

Lino printing is a form of fine art printmaking where traditionally, the printing plate is a piece of linoleum. Yes, lino as in linoleum, as in floor covering.  More recently, there are other rubbery surfaces being used instead of linoleum.  I use a block called Speedy Carve by Speedball which looks like a large pink eraser.  It is easier to carve than linoleum because it is softer.  It's flexible, durable, and will not crack, crumble, or break.  So it has certain advantages to traditional linoleum.

Transferring the image and beginning carving.

Ink rolled out on block and first print pulled.

Once your design is worked out, it is transferred to your block.  The design is then cut into your sheet of linoleum with a sharp knife or gouge.  The parts of the linoleum that are cut away create recesses, and the parts of the linoleum that are uncarved are raised.  These raised surfaces are then inked with a roller, and paper or fabric is pressed onto the block, transferring the design.  This process can be hand done or with a press.

Multiple prints and the tools.

From one carved block, a number of prints can be printed.  This can be any number from the first, to an unlimited amount.  All the prints printed from the same block are called an edition.  The artist decides how large the edition will be.  Sometimes how large an edition will be is determined by how well the block holds up. 

When a print is signed, traditionally it is done in pencil, under the image.  Limited editions are considered more valuable than open, or unlimited editions, just because there are only a limited amount of that print image.  If it is a limited edition, in the left corner will be two numbers, the first number is the print number and the second number will tell you how large the edition is (e.g., "10/30" for the 10th print in an edition of 30). 

Care for your print, as with all works of art on paper, should always be used.  Keep your artwork out of direct sunlight and away from incandescent light, to keep your print from fading.  And a moisture free environment is recommended, so that the paper does not get water damage from moisture that can collect under the glass in a frame.