Lino Prints


THThe subject of my linoleum print is a girl looking upward. The setting is the mountains with stars and the moon in the sky. I made this by sketching the design into my notebook. Next, I transferred this to the linoleum block. After this, I used several tools to cut into the block. This is where the highlights will go. Similarly to the scratchboard drawing, I made highlights rather than making shadows in the drawing. Lastly, I rolled paint onto the linoleum block, I put my paper on top, and I used a tool to make sure that the paper absorbed the paint. In this print, I used line to show shape and texture. In addition, I used texture and color to show value.

In this drawing, I used informal balance, a low horizon line, and the rule of thirds. This project evolved a lot. It started out as a pencil drawing. Next, it became a block of linoleum which I carved. After this, it became prints. While I was working on this, I decided to change the mountains significantly because it wasn't working. I used the texture from the first time I carved into it, and I changed a couple things.

The meaning behind this artwork is something my grandmother used to say, "When you look at the grasses you look very very tall, but when you look at the mountains you are nothing at all." I used this inspirational line to base my linoleum print after. This project relates to my life because it was very challenging and although it took me a long time, I got through it. Although I am happy that I finished it, there are many things I wish I had done better with:

  • You can't see it in the photograph, but the ink was really thick in some sections.
  • In the multi-color drawing, the girl has no chin.
  • The rest of them have a very sharp chin.
  • My final piece does not look much like my original design.
  • The mountain behind her has too much carved off.
  • I did not get enough contrast between the girl and the mountaints.
  • The girl's shirt looks weird.
  • The stars in the sky did not show up in all of the prints.
  • The mountains are too light in the multi-colored print.