Woodcut Printmaking with Ritualis Press

What is Woodcut Printmaking?

Woodcut is a technique of relief printing which involves first carving a design onto the surface of a block of wood. Usually, woodcut printing uses cutting tools like special knives and gouges to carve the design before rolling ink over it. The artist often uses an ink roller (brayer) to apply the ink, covering only the raised areas of the design. Then, they take an impression or print of the raised areas that remain after cutting and inking the block. This is mostly using cloth or paper for the impression or print medium. Any parts of the block level with the surface of the medium hold the ink to make the design. Meanwhile, the carving around the raised areas should disappear to become negative space in the final print.

In this post, I’ll share a brief history on one of the oldest forms of printmaking. Find various methods and techniques for woodcut printing, and also some of my favorite tools for woodcut printmaking at home.

“Woodcut” Printing vs “Woodblock” Printing

First, let’s not confuse the terms “woodcut” printing with “woodblock”” printing. Although some artists might try to use the terms interchangeably, woodcut often refers to a European process of printmaking. The woodcut printing process tends to use oil based inks, and create prints or impressions using a press.

In comparison, woodblock printing has its roots in Asian printmaking. It generally uses transparent water-based inks, and applies the ink to wood with gentle brush strokes. This is before printing on paper or cloth by hand printing using a baren. The technique often produces much softer, blended effects, much like watercolor paintings.

Then, there is wood engraving, which is also not to be confused with woodcut or woodblock printing. In wood engraving, the block is cut using the end-grain. For woodcut, the block is cut along the wood grain, with ink usually applied by brayer or press. There are also different histories relating to artists versus craftsmen when looking at woodcut versus wood engraving.

Woodcut Printmaking Through Time

Following woodcut printmaking through time to present day would cover both east Asia and Europe, beginning in China. This is where woodcut originated as a method of printing on textiles and later on paper. By the 13th century, woodcut techniques arrived in Europe, becoming the oldest technique for old master prints. The style would later on become the work of mostly artists across traditions.

In contrast, specialized craftsmen often did the “block carving” (wood engraving). For example, the craftsmen were formschneider (block-cutters) in 16th century Europe, and served workshops, printers, and publishers carving blocks for specialist printers. There were also specialists responsible for crafting the blank blocks for the block carving.

As the craft progressed, woodcut printing took on several methods to transfer the artists’ carving to wood. Some techniques involved drawing directly on the block, while others glued paper t o the wood, or did tracing. Although, this meant that all techniques in earlier times would destroy the original design.

By the 20th century, artists across Europe and East Asia began adopting woodcut printing with their own modernized techniques. In Japan for example, the sōsaku-hanga (creative prints) movement became opposition to the shin-hanga (new prints) movement. The sōsaku-hanga aimed to move away from traditional techniques. Meanwhile, in the West, many artists began woodcut printing using a printmaking press. This is also when many western artists began to popularize the easier technique of linocut printmaking.

Modern Woodcut Printing Techniques

The common woodcut printing methods are stamping, rubbing, or printing using a press.

• Stamping involves carving and inking a block of wood to use as a stamp upside-down on top of a piece of paper or cloth. It is more common for woodcut printing using cloth or textiles. Fun fact: Stamping was also used for most early European woodcuts.
• Rubbing refers to the technique of placing the carved and inked block face up on the table, and rubbing on the design. The artist burnishes the paper or fabric on top of the block, while the traditional tool for this is the printmaking baren. Take for example the handy wooden baren or glass baren from Ritualis Press.
• Printing with a press takes advantage of a block printing press to apply smooth even pressure to prints. Take for example the printmaking presses by Ritualis Press, which are multi-purpose for both woodcut and linocut.

Additionally, the wooden block is usually from pear wood, with cutting along the grain and smooth planing. The block undergoes seasoning to reduce moisture absorption, and to protect the wood from cracking or warping. At the same time, the size of the block must support the size of the image.

Although, the size of the printing press ultimately determines the maximum size of the print. This means that when working with much larger prints, artists use multiple blocks. They then assemble the whole image for printing block-by-block. For this, smaller blocks are best, and less likely to crack under the pressure of the printing press. The blocks also typically need a 1-inch thickness for best performance and longevity over time.

Woodcut Printing Presses

A woodcut printing press is an essential tool in the home studio for creating detailed and textured woodcut prints. Printing by press allows for easily applying the even pressure necessary to inked wood blocks. It enhances image clarity, while creating depth, and making the process more efficient and repeatable overall.

But which presses are common for woodcut printing? Let’s take the popular features of the printmaking presses by Ritualis Press for example.

Ritualis Press & Presses for Woodcut or Linocut

Ritualis Press printmaking presses are popular not only for woodcut and linocut printing, but also block printing, textile printing, letterpress and more. This is because of the unique design of the press, which offers two handles to apply even pressure to prints. There are then multiple handy features which every artist expects of their tools. Each press offers:

• Sturdy construction of steel, plywood, and oak wood.
• Various size printing plates from A3 to A4 and A5 sizes.
• Highly-rated laser-engraved centering lines and matrix.
• Two levers for optimal comfort when printmaking.
• Printing to the edge of the press to make the most of the plate size.
• Adjustable tilts, and non-slip setup.
  

That’s not to mention how wonderfully each device compliments at-home studio and workshop spaces. The carefully chosen wood designs simply look lovely on any worktable or studio shelf. It’s also easy to pack up, transport, and set up the presses to use anywhere you enjoy the ritual of printmaking.

Other Woodcut Printing Tools & Accessories

Beyond printmaking presses for woodcut and linocut, the Ritualis Press offer includes many top-rated studio tools and accessories. There are artisan-crafted printmaking barens of wood and glass, and studio essentials: lino ink rollers, lino ink, cutting matts, felts & more. Better yet, the Ritualis Press Instagram Community is teeming with fresh ideas to put everything to use. In fact, look no further if seeking inspiration for your next woodcut or linocut print. There are clips from all my favorite Ritualis Press artists and printmakers, each sharing designs, reviews, and content!

Written by Justin