A technique used for 'lino block' printing in which only one block is used and more lino is cut away after each application of colour to the print. The areas removed by carving are the only areas that can retain the colour of the last colour printed.

Only those areas of lino that are left uncarved can change to another colour. For every colour in the print there must have been a subsequent carving. At the completion of printing only the lino that produced the last colour is left uncarved. Because of the technique used, a colour edition can never be reprinted.

The print must be carefully registered each time to ensure that the print falls onto the right place. Registration lines are placed along two adjacent sides and the edge of the paper is slotted into the corner created.

The block is placed on a flat surface on the floor, the printing ink is then applied (rolled with brayer or painted with brush) to the block.

The paper is registered and lowered onto the block and another sheet of fine paper is placed over the printing paper.

The paper is then methodically walked on with small steps to transfer the ink from the block to the printing paper by the use of body weight.

Edition:

the restriction placed on the number allowed to be printed from the lino block (placed by the artist).

Lino:

a variety of commercial and industrial flooring which is carved or 'soldered' to produce the cut. Either surface of the flooring material is used to obtain a variety of cuts or marks.

The Block:

the piece of lino in its carved state

3/20:

the third print in an edition of 20 prints