My printmaking classes are moving right along. Students have been working on their first linoleum prints and we are discussing our plans for progressing into multi-color prints. We have a few options for this. One option is using multiple blocks, one for each color. Another option is reduction printmaking. In the process of reduction the white is originally carved out and the lightest color is printed on the entire edition. Then everything that should stay the lightest color is carved out and the next lightest color is printed, and so on. It can be confusing and time consuming.
I decided to try it out before teaching the students. I found it satisfying and stimulating. I started with a photo that I
printed in high contrast black and white. I then used carbon paper to mark
the whites and started printing an edition of twelve. I recorded the process in timelapse. The colors
were yellow, green, blue, and then black. I am satisfied with the
outcome and love the impressionistic feel.
There were two struggles for me in the process of reduction. The first
was mindset. At first it was difficult to think about carving out a
color after I had already printed it on the paper. However, I enjoyed
thinking about the art in this new way. The other struggle was inking.
We are using water based inks in the classroom. They are wonderful for
cleanup but they accumulate in the recessed areas and don’t give
consistent prints. However, I wouldn’t let that discourage you from trying reduction printing. It is fun and rewarding to see the image evolve and offers a new way to look at creating.