Unit 8 · AprilUpcoming

Relief Printing from Photographic Composition

Carve it. Ink it. Print it. Learn the linocut process from selecting a photo to printing your edition.

Photo selectionImage transferBlock carvingEdition printingReflection

Vocabulary

Photographic Composition

Using a photograph as the source image for a printmaking project — selecting, editing, and preparing a photo specifically for translation into a carved block.

Block Ready

A prepared image file that has been converted to high contrast, scaled to block size, and is ready for transfer. Getting an image 'block ready' is a distinct skill.

First Edition

The initial set of prints pulled from a newly completed block. First editions are often the freshest and most consistent prints from a block.

Signed Edition

A numbered and signed set of prints. The artist's signature and edition number (e.g. 3/10) authenticate each print as part of the official edition.

Reflection

A thoughtful written or verbal response to your own work — what worked, what didn't, what you'd do differently, what you learned.

Ink Coverage

How evenly and completely the ink is distributed across the printing surface. Good ink coverage produces clean, consistent prints.

Pressure

The force applied when printing. Consistent pressure produces consistent prints — too light and the image is faint, too heavy and it smears.

Projects — 4 total

Block Ready (Transferred Image)

Select a photograph, prepare it for printmaking, and transfer it to your block.

Carved Block

Carve your transferred design with attention to detail, contrast, and printmaking technique.

First Edition (3 Prints)

Pull your first edition of 3 prints from your completed block.

Signed Edition (3 Prints + Reflection)

Sign and number your edition and write a reflection on the complete photo-to-print process.

Unit 7: High Contrast Portraits (Imaging → Printmaking)Unit 9: Portfolio & Exhibition (Culminating Unit)