Circe Society Artists
Linocut Printmaking Class
8-Week Linocut Printmaking Class
Wednesdays 7 - 9PM
Discover the art of linocut printmaking in this hands-on 8-week course. You’ll learn how to design, carve, and print your own original linoleum block prints. Each session builds on the last, guiding you from concept to a finished edition of prints.
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You’ll learn:
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Safe carving and printing techniques
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How to design for linocut (positive/negative space)
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Inking, hand-printing, and color layering
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Multi-color and reduction printing methods
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Editioning and presentation of your finished work
By the end of the course, you’ll have a small portfolio of prints and the confidence to continue printing independently.
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Cost: $400 per person (all materials included)
Class size is limited to ensure personal instruction.
No experience necessary—beginners welcome!
Need to Know
Format: In-person, 1 night per week (Wednesday), 2 hours each session (7 - 9pm)
Duration: 8 weeks (16 total hours)
Class size: 10 maximum
Instructor: Sara Wines
Price: $400 (includes materials)
course Goals
Introduce students to the fundamentals of linocut printmaking—design, carving, inking, and printing—culminating in a small portfolio or edition of prints.
Calendar (Spring 2026):
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January 14
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January 21
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January 28
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February 4
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February 11 (no class)
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February 18
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February 25
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March 4
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March 11
Weekly Breakdown
Week 1 – Introduction to Linocut & Design Planning
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Introduce printmaking history & linocut process.
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Show examples of contemporary and traditional linocuts.
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Discuss positive vs. negative space, mirror imaging, and design transfer.
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Students sketch simple design ideas.
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Activities:
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Demo: Overview of tools & safety.
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Students create thumbnail sketches for first print (4x6” or 5x7”).
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Homework: Finalize design
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Week 2 – Transferring & Beginning to Carve
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​Learn safe cutting techniques and tool handling.
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Transfer design to linoleum block.
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Activities:
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Demo: Proper carving techniques, direction of cuts, and tool maintenance.
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Begin carving design.
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Discuss mark-making and texture.
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Homework: Finish carving design.
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Week 3 – Inking & Printing Basics
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​Learn how to roll ink, control consistency, and hand-print using barens or a small press.
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Activities:
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Demo: Rolling ink, test prints, adjusting pressure.
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Students make first prints on newsprint, then on nicer paper.
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Discuss editioning basics (signing, numbering, consistency).
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Homework: Print 3–5 good copies of first edition.
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Week 4 – Experimentation & Multi-Color Techniques
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​Introduce layering, reduction prints, or multi-block color printing.
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Activities:
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Demo: Registration techniques for multiple colors.
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Students plan a 2-color design (or reduction approach).
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Homework: Sketch second design; begin carving.
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Week 5 – Continue Carving & Proofing
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Refine carving for multi-color work or reduction print.
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Activities:
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Students continue carving and begin proof prints.
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Group feedback & troubleshooting session.
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Homework: Finish carving and prepare blocks for final color printing.
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Week 6 – Printing Multi-Color Editions
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​Focus on precision printing and layering colors.
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Activities:
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Print first and second color layers.
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Discuss ink transparency, paper registration, and edition consistency.
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Week 7 – Advanced Techniques & Personal Projects
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​Explore optional techniques: chine-collé, jigsaw linocut, hand-coloring, or mixed media.
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Encourage students to start a personal project using learned skills.
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Activities:
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Demo: One advanced or creative variation (you choose based on class interest).
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Students begin final project.
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Week 8 – Print Exchange, Critique & Exhibition Prep
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​Reflect on progress, share final prints, and discuss edition presentation.
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Activities:
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Group critique and print exchange.
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Demo: Mounting, labeling, signing, and presentation for display.
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Optional: Prepare a small class exhibition in your gallery.
