Woodcut and Linoleum Block Printmaking: Michael Keyes

Goal: for participants to produce an edition of 5 black and white fine-art woodcut prints from their sketch or drawing.

Instruction: Participants will be introduced to wood and paper types, carving tools, inks, brayers, and printing tools used in making woodcut prints. We will discuss how to store and safely transport paper, ink, tools, and equipment.

Woodblocks, ink, paper, and accessories will be supplied; carving tools may be borrowed for use. Participants must bring a sketch or drawing as a reference for the woodcut print to be produced.

We will discuss the process of translating a black-and-white drawing into a dynamic woodcut print. The instructor will demonstrate the steps to accomplish this. Along the way, we will discuss sharpening and honing carving tools, the effects of hardness and porosity of wood, mixing oil-based ink to proper consistency, proper application of ink to the woodblock, hand-printing techniques to achieve desired results, and techniques to repair mistakes.

We will also briefly discuss multi-block color prints, and color/reduction woodcut prints.

Instructor will have additional woodblocks and sheets of paper available for sale.

Only a sketch or drawing is needed to begin the class.

Bio:

Michael J. Keyes

Aurora, Colorado, 80010 720-579-8760

Michael Keyes is a painter and woodcut printmaker, and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

His areas of specialty are drawing, painting, and printmaking. He uses pencil drawing as the “entry activity” and basis for painting and printmaking.