*Participants should have taken at least one previous printmaking workshop so that they are familiar with studio and etching press protocol. Having taken ‘The Linoleum Print –the power of one colour’ would be an asset.

The Reduction Relief Print

This method of multicolour printing requires only one linoblock, woodblock or other material suitable for cutting or gouging. The flat upper surface of this material is the relief surface, which carries the ink colour to be printed onto paper or fabric or other flat material. Any gouged or cut out areas will not receive ink and therefore will not print. The process involves repeating the cutting and printing steps, one for each colour in the design. Once printing of the edition is complete, further prints cannot be made from the block as much of the surface has been destroyed in the process.

 1. Usually a design is first drawn or transferred onto the block.

2. Areas to remain white (assuming the paper is white) are then carved from the block.

3. The first (usually the lightest) colour is then mixed and rolled onto the relief surface of the block.

4. The block is placed into a registration template.

5. Paper is registered into a fixed position on top of the block and pressure is applied to transfer the ink from block to paper.

6. The paper is removed and the image is transferred appearing in reverse.

7. This inking and printing is repeated for this first colour for all the prints in the edition.

8. The areas of the design to remain in the first colour are then carved from the block.

9.  A second colour is mixed and rolled onto the block and printed over the first.

10. This process is repeated until all the colours are applied, layer on layer. Demonstrations will include how to transfer images to the block, cutting techniques, ink colour mixing and application to the block, paper registration techniques, printing with and without a press and print signing protocols. Participants will take home a small edition of prints.

All materials will be provided.

April 18th & 19th, 2026

About the Instructor:

Anne Jones is a retired art teacher, with 34 years teaching senior printmaking as well as foundation drawing, painting, design, and art history.

“Currently I’m enjoying making prints, teaching printmaking and hanging out on beautiful Vancouver Island, British Columbia in Canada.

I manage BlueWave Printmakers, a studio for non-toxic printmaking located in Nanaimo, BC. and enjoy being a member of the Printmakers of the Salish Sea Collective.”

Art Course Participant Guidelines