Linocut Watercolour Demo

[@RockStarVee]

This is by far the best online Linocut tutorial I've seen. Thank you for sharing your expertise in such a warm, welcoming, and clear way. :)

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@joseromerocastro7660]

Mucho hablas y poca demostración se mas sinplista

[@JANeway1723]

Clear, clean, and concise instructions. Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been putting off starting linocut (mainly because I cannot draw) but am now inspired to start.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks! Wishing you a fun printmaking experience 😁👍🏻

[@diegoantonio7625]

I agree deeply with your view on how drawing the images again and again make us reflect on every detail. Great video and thank you so much for the amazing work.

[@Anser28]

That was so fun and useful to watch! You also just look and sound like such a charming and charismatic human! Thank you.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you, what a nice thing to say!

[@catbraunwell6450]

Great video. Thanks so much. I’m new to Lino and have just done 3 so far (on easy cut blocks) and yours is by far. The best video I have seen so far. Thank you again.

[@Vvvvvwwwvvvv]

I loved this tutorial. Please create more videos, as you are inspired. Your presentation and teaching style is informative, soothing ... artwork in and of itself!

[@kathyvangogh4034]

You are a very generous and excellent teacher. TY so much for this video.

[@caramia5626]

I just found this clip- and you did such a wonderful job of filming and explaining everything! I was wondering if you did or can do a short video on care and sharpening carving tools? 🙏🏼

[@ladytiedi]

I’ve cut linoleum since I was a child on and off and still learned from your video! Love the water coloring. Very fun to watch your process, too. Thanks!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks for watching!

[@feralfreebirds]

this is so relaxing, love adding watercolour at end, im gunna try some on mine .....thankyou x

[@nazlij3298]

Your voice is soothing and you explain so well. 👏💪

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks!

[@Nicky-dx8dt]

It brought back wonderful memories of my linocut party with you! Thank you! Wish I could do that again with you.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Nicky! Those printmaking parties were fun! Hopefully we will get to do something like that again. Glad you enjoyed the video. I hope you’re still doing some printmaking.

[@creaconcote]

Love this video! Is amazing combination of tecnic. Really enjoy it!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@dianeperry-spencer9568]

Dear Carol, Thank you very much for this very interesting and inspiring video. I enjoy both watercolour and linocut so it was really enjoyable to watch you create this nice print! I have learned a lot and will probably try to get one of these Akua ink you recommended. Have a lovely day and thanks again.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Awesome, thanks so much Diane! You’ll love the ink.

[@yvonneyakphoto2285]

Thank you, absolutely beautiful!

[@Vgudorf]

Carol, thank you so much for making this enjoyable video. I can tell a LOT of work and love went into making it. It could not have been filmed and presented more beautifully. You’re quite the natural at this, making me feel as if you were welcoming me personally into your home to share your passion for the relief printing process. I loved every moment of this relaxed and informative presentation, and learned quite a bit. In particular, your instruction on how to use the cutting tools, gave me an understanding of how to start, and the confidence to try. So important! Your print is beautifully carved and rendered, a tranquil domestic tableau that I’d gladly hang in my home. I know making and editing these videos must be a time consuming labor of love, and therefore, you can’t be expected to just crank them out in great numbers, but I hope you will continue to make them. I’m subscribing to your lovely channel in the hopes of seeing more in the future.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you so much! What nice things to say 😊. Was actually just thinking about what to do next. Something coming soon for sure 👍🏻

[@leticiacampos1044]

Thank you so much for this! Such helpful tips and lovely inspiration.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Oh good, glad you enjoyed it! Happy printmaking 😁

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks for watching Leticia!

[@boyandbelugee]

Beautiful!❤ Thank you very much for this tutorial!❤

Beautiful!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks Joanne!

[@mfz1016]

You are beautiful and teach wonderfully🌻

[@theillustratedvagabond]

😊 Thank you so much!

[@mary_syl]

Thanks so much for this detailed run through! Am only just starting off and all your insight and tricks have already informed my learning process a great deal! 😃

[@jessicaallman351]

Hello! I know this video isn't recent, but I'm hoping I can still ask a question here. I'm just starting to get into woodcut and linocut illustrations. Unfortunately all of my instruction has come from KZbin videos like this. I've never been to a class or workshop or anything, so my question is this: How do I get into the community? How do I find workshops or memberships or teachers? How do I network, so that once I start getting really good in a few years, I can maybe teach my own classes, or start selling my own prints? I guess I'm asking how I get into the whole world? :) I hope my question is making sense, and I'm very grateful for the video!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi. I would do a search for printmaking co-ops in your area. A lot of printmakers share equipment because it’s so expensive to buy presses. They’re usually good places to find workshops as well. I’m from Vancouver and there are a couple of good ones there, hopefully there’s one near you. Also if you have any local galleries or print shops where you can find work by artists in your area you could reach out that way.

[@eveningstardust1]

The best tutorial ever, thank you so much as

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Glad you liked it!

[@YooperGranny]

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@sinhalasinhala7838]

Beautiful. Thankyou so much.

[@russellstegemann722]

Awesome!

[@angeyates7155]

Hi. This is such a great tutorial, thank you. Are you able to tell me the make of cutters please, I'm struggling to find them. Many thanks

[@rolfhogfeldt7645]

Exceptional video and instruction. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to create this.

[@katykrebs9707]

This was great!!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks 😊

[@paminsalem4875]

I really enjoyed your presentation. Thank you. I made prints in my high school days, but now I'm on the edge of retiring and I'm planning to pursue this again. My questions have to do with the clean up process for as you mentions, Oil based inks, AKUA, Speedball Fabric Inks. Is it just soap and water? Can you protect the Lino when finished with a sealant and just let it dry? Last what is the best type of final material to print on verses the ink? Example oil based inks vs. an acrylic (because I see artists watering down the acrylic. Lastly what is the name of the paper you used in this print with the torn edges. It can be a costly art if you choose the wrong paint or surface. Thanks again. Beautiful work.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Pam, thanks for your message :-). Oil based inks are the toughest to clean up. I run a few ghost prints onto newsprint at the end of a session to get as much ink as possible off my lino, then use mineral spirits for the rest. With acrylic based ink i find I can clean with a cleaner like greenworks and with akua I can just use a damp paper towel or a wet wipe. I don’t think I’d put a sealant on a piece of linoleum. I’d be concerned about it filling in my cuts. For paper my all time fave is Stonehenge printmaking paper. I buy full sheets then fold them and tear them with a straight edge into half sheets and quarter sheets. Have fun!

[@paminsalem4875]

@@theillustratedvagabond thanks!

[@agas5442]

Hi, I am very new to linocut. Just enjoyed so much your video while drinking evening herbal tea. Just have a question regarding the press on fabric. Did you do that straight after doing transfer on paper or reapplied ink and dud it then? Sorry if that is stupid question. Many thanks. Just subscribed also. Great valuable lessons. X

[@theillustratedvagabond]

No, that’s a god question! Yes, I rolled fresh ink on there in between. I hope you have fun printmaking! Thanks for watching.

[@user-yb8vr2ip2t]

Great intro video.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks!

[@cw4608]

Can you put your linoleum on one of those seed germinating heat mats to warm it? It seems like that would work.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

That is a brilliant idea! Thanks 😊

[@jbirming]

Carol, Thanks so much for your video! I'm just getting started in block printing, and I want to paint watercolor over a block print as you have done in this video. If I use Speedball Fabric Block Printing ink on Hot Press watercolor paper, do I need to heat set the print by ironing it? Do I need to prep the watercolor paper in any way, e.g., wet it, or get some of the sizing out, so the ink can soak into the paper and dry properly? Thanks!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Judy. I’m not really sure what’ll happen if you try heat setting it. I’ve tried painting on speedball fabric block printing ink just letting it dry naturally and it did bleed a bit. I’m curious what would happen if you heat set with a buffer in between so you don’t scotch your paper. Let me know if your try it! Thanks for watching :-)

[@jbirming]

@@theillustratedvagabond Thank you, Carol! I will give it a try and let you know, after a little more practice! My first attempts at block printing have gotten more ink on me, and more fingerprints on the print! The water-based ink I was using washed easily off the plexiglass sheet and brayer, but nothing would take it off my hands. What do you use to clean up? Although..I imagine that by now you've learned how not to get ink on your hands in the first place :-)

[@romelmadrayart]

Any recommendations on storage of finished prints, using oil based inks as the medium and acid free paper as the substrate?

[@danynejohnston7067]

How much time do you have before the ink starts to dry on the plate ?

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Using oil or soy based ink there's lots of time. When I use acrylic ink I have to work quickly. If the room is dry I can only use the plate for about 40 minutes before I need to clean the ink off and start fresh.

[@jalan8232]

I am sure I missed it somehow but what type of press is your roller I know it must be expensive but I am so much desiring one. Thanks for a beautiful video

[@fbpliegorrivero8869]

It's called a baren

[@jorgeluna3319]

No comprendo lo que dices pero no me canso de mirarte, me enamoras

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Muchas gracias Jorge ☺️

[@marymary5494]

👌💕

[@samcollage7682]

Some Akua inks seem to never dry. They won't air dry, they only dry by being absorbed into paper.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Susan, you’re totally right, they won’t dry unless they can absorb into paper. If you use them on anything that isn’t 100%natural fibre they never settle in properly. I’ve tried on trace paper and on a burlap fabric and both times had to throw the project out. On good quality art paper they’re my fave tho. Never had a issue there. Thanks so much for watching, and for your comment. Happy printmaking :-)

[@davelester1985]

Nice long explanation, conservative in color, good tips on products, and I would suggest you leave the cowboy music out of your videos as it is a distraction and some people will have trouble learning with that in the background.

[@romeredubost6971]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I just did my first linocut and hand drew two dobro guitars right on the block. I also blocked in the letters D O B R O, i was satisfied with my drawing and started cutting. I finished went, to bed band started thinking about how fun it was and anticipating the inking and printing, then I realized, I DIDN’T DRAW THE LETTERS BACKWARDS😂! anyways I wasn’t sad or angry, it’s my first and I still printed one.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Oh no! But I’m sure it’s beautiful. Dobros, that’d be a fun and interesting challenge. And now you’re all practiced up to do it again the other way around 😉. Thanks for watching :-)

[@karicreates7668]

You could try making a jigsaw of the lino plate and make a new piece for the lettering maybe

[@romeredubost6971]

@@karicreates7668 thanks for that suggestion. Since I did that piece I have done 12 linocuts. Having a lot of fun, I noticed that I kinda love the block almost as much as the print, so I end up hand coloring the dobro linoblock with acrylics and framed it. My nephew has it hanging on wall at his house along with some other pieces I did for him.

[@Tucker.Showkeir]

I took printmaking in high school and I absolutely adored it. Thanks for putting together such a good video.

[@NickVenture1]

Good teacher. And the music in the background is just right. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@yvonlantaigne7170]

You are a pleasure to watch and listen to, very well made tutorial, great content and info too, thank you!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you Yvon! Happy printmaking 😊

[@mattendspiel9341]

Oh wow, what a wonderfully presented and informative video. Thank you, I can see so much care and attention in what you are doing. One new, eagerly anticipating subscriber here. Now to have the bravery to start cutting.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you so much! I’m planning to do another video soon. Meanwhile, grab that gouge and dive in! Happy printmaking :-)

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Thank you so much for such a clear and comprehensive tutorial. I am just starting my adventure with Lino cut printing. I love watercolour so combining the two is very exciting for me.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Maggie, thanks foe watching. Ya, with the right paper and ink they’re fun to combine for sure. Enjoy experimenting!

[@hlegler]

This was so incredibly detailed + helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your creative process and helpful hints! ❤ beautiful work! Just stunning + detailed!

[@FilomenaJackStudio]

Wow! I just started playing with Lino again...you have definitely inspired me! Merci!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks Filomena, I’m so glad! It’s such a satisfying medium. Have fun!

[@רחלקוסטיצקי]

@@theillustratedvagabond seems interesting.

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Brilliant primer on this technique. Well done. Thanks!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@hansendesigns]

Do you clean your lino in between uses? How do you store them?

[@theillustratedvagabond]

I just keep printing one after the other. If it gets gummy I stop and clean, but I find I can usually just keep going, depending on the ink, temp and humidity in the room. I just wrap them in paper towel and store them standing up in a stack on their side, like books on a shelf. Thanks for watching :-)

[@dottimerritt3758]

Boy do I feel dumb! I have never heard of this before, and being 75 where was I?? I am a watercolor artist ( of sorts!). I have a set of these carving tools from my late husband, he used them for wood carvings. I use them for clay carvings. This looks like fun so I’m half way there!! I subscribed!

[@sineanahita3383]

This is a super nice video! I just purchased a press like yours, so I was happy to see it used for this printing process. I learned a lot, e.g. Akua intaglio inks can be used for lino prints. I love the water colors, really pretty. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! And yes, Akua inks are the bomb, love them :-)

[@theillustratedvagabond]

And congrats on the press purchase, that’s a big moment!!!

[@LiveTilWeLaugh]

This tutorial is so thorough and well made. Thank you so much! Also, yes, I think everyone makes noises while they paint 😂

[@slamthegavelpodcasthostmar5536]

Where do you buy your products?

[@sherrirowan5049]

Good video Good instruction. Thank you

[@BBaxterSwank]

Thank you for providing a superb step by step tutorial. This has served as a refresher course for me and has sparked the idea of creating prints for a series if cut paper works I am developing. 🙏🏼

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Oh great! Thank you. I love cut paper. Have fun.

[@jacquelineravensbergen9644]

Amazing tutorial! Just at the right level where I can understand what's going on! I am still a beginner and using SpeedyCarve, but I would love to try lino cutting one day.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks Jacqueline, glad you found it helpful! My advice? Dive in, you’ll love it. In some ways it’s easier than speedycarve.

[@phyllisjeanfulton]

Good refresher. I’ve only carved woodcuts. But ordered some linoleum.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Nice! I love the texture of woodcuts too. But you’ll love the smoothness of carving lino. Enjoy!

[@OblioandArrowInc]

Omg I was laying the Lino cut on paper and rubbing back of plate. Will it make a difference although I’ve only tried two so far

[@theillustratedvagabond]

It’ll make a big difference. Have fun with it!

[@koreanature]

Wow, My best friend, I liked the video very much, thanks you for sharing, stay safe, stay blessed

[@danynejohnston7067]

Hi everyone

[@lucybrown8902]

Could you use a rolling pin to transfer the print to the paper? Rather than a wooden spoon?

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Lucy, I’ve tried a rolling pin and the results weren’t great. I think it needs direct downward pressure and the pin didn’t seem to do it. There are big heavy steel rollers for that purpose, but in my experience they create a lot of opportunity for the paper to shift, and they’re not as effective as a barren or a good old wood spoon. But everything is worth experimenting with. Let me know if you get a different result.

[@David41918]

Loved watching your process Carol..and how you warm up your linoleum!!!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Alison Keenan lol. It’s a very technical move ;-). Glad you enjoyed it.

[@01Breakfan]

Thank you :)

[@kanner3831]

New subscriber, I just watched all your videos and I NEED MORE!! Fantastic work and presentation! Fingers crossed I'll be hearing that notification bell soon! 😊 Thank you!

[@nixmoretta13]

Thank you for sharing this. I am new to linocut printing, but sadly have a multiple chemical sensitivity and cannot use oil based inks or paints; don’t even like the smell of lino! Are there any products you could recommend that are odourless and non toxic? I’d really love to have a go, but my sensitivities are holding me back. Thank you once again, wonderful work. ❤

[@lauraanlleu8181]

Ambidiestra 😉👍

[@ladytj4u]

Thank U

[@devil_puthy2604]

oh my goodness i cant even begin to express how much this video helped me. I have been searching and gathering insights from so many different videos trying to piece things together. THIS is what i have been searching for. You speak so clear and explain the process in such an understandable way. Thank you a million times. I cant wait to go through your channel for more videos!

[@rosagroen2964]

Thank you for this video and talking about the different materials. I’m finally going to give this a go. Your video was very helpful! How well does the print on the linnen hold? Can you still wash it?

[@-mike-8134]

Very nice thank you.. Carol if I may I would suggest that you make a higher table to hold your press, it seemed so awkward the way you had to stoop and bend to crank the handle around. The table also seemed a little wobbly too.

[@susanlamoureux735]

Carol: Great video, thank you for sharing. Would you be so kind as to provide me with the manufacturer of your printing press?

[@anapaulaotero-illustration875]

Supperb work! 👍🙌

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you so much!

[@sebo641]

14:35 Never thought I would want to be a piece of linoleum before this 🙈

[@judihopewell2499]

Superb teaching. Very informative and motivating

[@carlabolus7185]

Excellent demo - thank you

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks Carla! Happy printmaking :-)

[@hyonsukseifert1447]

Very thoroughly explained. Thank you so much!

[@judihopewell2499]

Superb instruction. Very motivating…

[@anthea875]

Thank you kindly 🌻💙💜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@zosterinski]

just curious, why should the spoon be wooden (and not metal)? thanks!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Good question. Maybe it’s the thickness, but wood just feels less slippery in the hand. Also, a lot of metal spoons have more of an apex and leave ghost loops that can show in the final image. But, with the right spoon, metal could also work.

[@elisedellaluna7034]

Thanks for the amazing video

[@hooperlara]

Hi Carol! I loved this video, so informative. I'm subscribing. I am a watercolor painter and printmaker so this is the perfect combo. I was wondering if I do paint watercolor after printing, do you recommend the Oil based ink over the Akua?

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Lara. Either ink is great. Akua dries faster. Oil can look a little bolder. if I was starting from zero I’d probably go with Akua for the easier cleanup.

[@bridog50]

thank you kindly for the well presented tutorial. I had been an active printmaker/art educator for nearly three decades until health issues three years ago literally forced me to step back. I have recently returned (in a limited capacity) to relief printing and watercolour painting. This video has been very motivational and I learned a couple new things while watching. All the best from a fellow Canadian. ps. have you tried Cranfield relief printing inks? I still have some tubes of traditional Daniel Smith oil base relief inks that I am using presently but also have been using Akua.

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi! No, I haven’t tried Cranfield. I’ve heard of them but haven’t seen them in a store. I would love to try them. Do you like them?

[@bellabracco8733]

Carol, you're truly a queen. This was so informative and your voice is hella relaxing. I use procreate and haven't found someone apply it to Lino- thank you bae, i love ya. xoxo

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank YOU! That’s so nice to hear. Ya, procreate for printmakers, there’s soooo much to play with. Xo

[@lorrainedunbar4274]

I just found out about lino cut . I'm breathless !!! when I have the funds and time this is my must to do. THANK YOU. YOU are a great instructor

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you Lorraine! It’s such a fun medium. Enjoy!

[@rosehavenfarm2969]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@vadal4043]

Carol, just now seeing this. What is the fantastic brush you are using and where can we purchase? Thanks so much for this fantastic demo!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Vada, thanks! Yes, I love that brush. I found it in a store in Vancouver called De Serres for about $5 years ago and I bought a mitt full of them. No regrets :-).

[@uphystudio8616]

Really amazing technique and detailed tutorial! Got inspired a lot. Thanks Carol!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Awesome, thank you!

[@suzilahlah]

That was so fun to watch. Thank you

[@artberries5496]

Thanks for sharing. Can we use acrylic colours?

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi :-). You can try anything! I like the watercolours because they’re light weight and don’t compete with the ink, plus the dried ink repels them so I’m not having to painstakingly fill in every space like a colouring book. Guache would work, and pencil crayons are awesome with this. To me, acrylic feels too heavy for this kind of application on paper, but I bet in the right hands it could be beautiful. Try it, would love to see what you do! Thanks for watching my video 👍🏻

[@artat777]

Very good demonstration

[@elskefree7843]

This was so fun! Thank you so much for sharing your process, I really enjoyed the video

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@bbbernier]

Thank you!!

[@spoonylettuces3902]

wonderful

[@gloriasterrett2239]

What drawing program did you use?

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Hi Gloria, thanks for watching! I used procreate. Which I love ❤️

[@BB-nz5sk]

You are truly a wonderful teacher!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you!

[@Liam-pq7zk]

What a great introductory video!

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Thank you Liam, glad you enjoyed it!

[@juliaconnolly641]

Great tutorial but the music was irritating.

[@davidjames2145]

This video answered questions I didn't initially realise I had. As a watercolourist picking up linocut again after many years, this was invaluable; it has opened many doors. Thank you for sharing. 🇬🇧

[@theillustratedvagabond]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching