Deep and thin lines are cut using various size ‘V’-shaped tools, whereas large areas and textures are carved with different ‘U’-shaped tools. Usually, one hand holds the block while the other is for engraving.įor cutting variations, the nature of each tool must be understood. To prevent the block from moving, both hands should work together. Grab the tool with your writing hand in such a way that the tool extends beyond your index finger and thumb to guide and control it in the appropriate direction.
To engrave properly, the tool must be held correctly. Remove all the white areas intended to be ink-free or remain white in the print using the tools. However, if engraved on both sides of a line, a black line will emerge. Because of the depressed surface level, the engraved line will appear white in print. Relief Printmaking and drawing are not the same things in drawing, the drawn line is the pictorial area, whereas in relief printmaking it is the opposite. Hanga/Moku Hanga The Japanese phrase for woodblock printing (moku wood, hanga print). The key block or black is printed first and then gradually the other colours are printed one after the other. Soft paper is laid on top of the painted fish and printed. Ink is prepared from organic and inorganic substances. In Moku-Hanga, water-based ink is applied to the block using a brush. The Japanese woodcut tools include a knife, ‘V’-shaped gouge, round gouge, flat chisel, long round chisel, and a clearing chisel. The design is then transferred to the surface using nori paste,a sticky substance made from boiled rice. The surface of the wood is polished using a sharp whetstone. It requires at least two years of seasoning. The woodblocks are made from cherry or s akura. Traditional woodblock printing techniques in Japan have remained unchanged for centuries. This primary method is applicable to all relief printmaking mediums. As a team of practising artists, we understand that everyone’s artistic needs are different. With our expertise and knowledge, we are confident that we can supply you with the materials you need to realise your creative potential. The ink is transferred to the paper by applying pressure either manually or with the aid of a press. Founded in London in 2000, Jackson’s offers a vast range of art materials to artists from all over the world. The rest of the areas stand at their original level to receive ink from a brayer. In relief printmaking, the printmaker cuts and gouges the surface of a flat block using sharp tools, removing all areas intended to be ink-free or remain white in the print.