I recently attended a woodcut and print workshop at the London Print Studio taught by Jonathan Ashworth. It was a great day, Jonathan is a super teacher – wish it had lasted longer! The woodcutting takes some time and skill and then there’s all the printing to be done.
We began by simply making different kinds of marks using the various tools on a small block, just to see what it was like. Then we each made a block to our own design. This is my first block, after I had printed from it several times.
This is the first print I made whilst at the workshop, a two colour print, the vertical lines are on the back of the same block. I printed the dull pink first from the front of the block and then later the blue using the back of the block.
Heres a print I made later at home, just one colour. At first I found it quite difficult to make the print even, it was so easy at the workshop as we used a large professional press. At home I only have a hard rubber or a barren. It takes practice but I have definitely improved.
Single colour prints
I made this two colour print at home, making a mistake with the registration, so its slightly wrong both horizontally and vertically. So much to learn!
Sally Wakelin - Studies in Creativity 
Dear Sally Love the woodblocks – very Sally! Our house has just gone on the market – see Rightmove or Knight Frank – so you must come and see us before we, hopefully, set off for Cheltenham! We need to be nearer civilisation, art gallery, theatre, hospital, shops, restaurants…… Don’t leave it too long! (Of course we might still be here next year!) Love P
Ah Pauline! Thanks. I am really enjoying learning the art of printing, woodcut being my favourite so far.
i do love woodcuts, you look to have taken to it like a natural Sally, congrats, I love these.
Oh Thanks Phil, I do love doing them, always knew I would. I have lots more to post in the next few days.
I look forward to seeing them Sally, it makes me want to have a go
Phil, you really should try it, its a lovely process. I really enjoy the cutting part most, the printing is good too but I don’t find that so easy.