4 Week Reduction Linocut Course

Create Your Own Multi‑Colour Reduction Print (Up to 4 Colours) with Jess Van Baalen 

Course Overview

Across four weeks, participants will learn how to plan, carve and print their own reduction linocut design, building up layers of colour through a step‑by‑step approach. The course is suitable for those with some prior linocut experience or who have completed a beginners course.

Dates & Times

1st October – Thursday evening – 6.00pm - 8.30pm.

8th October – Thursday evening – 6.00pm - 8.30pm.

15th October – Thursday evening – 6.00pm - 8.30pm.

22nd October – Thursday Evening – 6.00pm - 8.30pm

Week 1 — Introduction, Planning & Preparing the Block

Focus: Understanding the reduction method & designing your print
What we’ll cover:

• Introduction to the reduction linocut process — how one block is carved in stages to create multiple colours.

• Looking at examples to understand layering, colour order, and designing for reduction.

• Planning your own design: 

• Choosing an image idea (participants bring their concept).

• Mapping out up to 4 colour layers.

• Understanding the “light‑to‑dark” carving sequence.

• Preparing the lino block: transferring design, identifying first areas to carve.

• Setting up and preparing a simple registration system for accurate alignment.

Week 2 — Carving & Printing Colour Layer 1

Focus: Beginning the reduction process
What we’ll cover:

• Finalising your plan for the first colour layer.

• Carving all areas that should remain the lightest colour in your print.

• Mixing ink, preparing paper, and test prints.

• Printing your first colour layer across your full edition.

• Drying and storing prints ready for next week’s reduction.

Week 3 — Carving & Printing Colour Layer 2

Focus: Building the mid‑tones
What we’ll cover:

• Reviewing your dried first layer and planning your second colour.

• Carving away all areas that should remain in colour 1.

• Registration set‑up check — ensuring clean alignment.

• Inking and printing your second colour across the edition.

• Troubleshooting: colour transparency, pressure, registration adjustments.

Week 4 — Carving & Printing Colour Layer 3 (and Optional Colour 4)

Focus: Completing the edition
What we’ll cover:

• Assessing prints so far and planning the final carving stage(s).

• Carving out areas to preserve colours 1 and 2, preparing the block for colour 3.

• Printing the third colour — and, if your design uses it, a fourth darker colour.

• Final touches, drying, and edition numbering.

• Group review and discussion: 

• What worked well

• Challenges

• How to continue reduction printing at home

Facilitator Details

Jess Van Baalen

Facilitator Bio: Jess Van Baalen is an artist and printmaker inspired by nature, folklore, and storytelling. Since graduating from Brighton University in 2022 with a degree in Illustration, she has focused on combining the natural world with narrative and myth. Drawn to the tactile process of Lino printing, she creates bold, textured work that celebrates landscape, cultural stories, and everyday magic.

Instagram: jessicarohanne.art