A brief look into the Art of Linoleum Printing

Linocut prints have carved a place for themselves in both traditional and modern art. With their bold lines and high-contrast aesthetic, linocuts are a striking form of printmaking that’s accessible, expressive, and rich in history. I have been creating linocuts for almost two decades now and my love for this printmaking medium continues to grow!

In this post, we’ll explore what linocuts are, how the technique works, and where this art form came from. Whether you’re a beginner, collector, or seasoned artist, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation of linoleum printing.

What Is a Linocut Print?

A linocut is a type of relief print made by carving a design into a sheet of linoleum. The areas that remain uncarved are inked and then pressed onto paper, creating a mirror image of the original design.

The resulting artwork—a linocut print—is known for its clean lines, sharp contrast, and hand-crafted charm. Artists often use it to create expressive, eye-catching prints with a strong graphic style.

How Linocut Printing Works

1. Designing the Image

The artist starts by sketching a design. This can be drawn directly onto the linoleum block or transferred using tracing paper or carbon copy methods. It’s important to remember that the final print will be a reverse of the carved image—especially crucial for any text elements.

Artist and printmaker Mark James Murphy in his studio making a linocut design — The design stage: Artists plan their image and sketch it in reverse onto the linoleum block

2. Carving the Block

Next, the artist uses gouges (V- or U-shaped carving tools) to cut away the parts of the linoleum that won’t be printed. The areas left uncut will receive the ink and appear on the paper.

This step defines the image’s contrast: the carved areas stay white (or the color of the paper), while the raised areas are inked.

linocut carving of angel of the north by artist mark james murphy with linocut gouge — Special gouges are used to remove the linoleum and define the negative space of the print. This is a work in progress shot of my Angel of the North linocut

3. Inking the Surface

Ink is applied to the surface using a brayer, a roller designed for printmaking. Only the raised areas of the block pick up the ink. Consistency here is key to achieving clean, even coverage.

artist and printmaker mark james murphy in his studio holding linocut brayer and inking a linocut — Inking the raised surface: A brayer applies ink only to the uncarved areas of the linoleum block

4. Transferring the Print

The inked block is then pressed onto paper—either by hand using a baren or spoon, or with a printing press. Pressure helps the ink transfer cleanly from block to paper.

artists hand placed over paper and other hand rubbing wooden spoon on paper to hand burnish a linocut — No press? No problem. Hand pressure tools like barens or even wooden spoons help transfer ink to paper

To get more of a direct insight into the process of making a linocut, you may find my video below useful!

5. Drying and Editioning

The finished print is left to dry. Artists often create limited editions, numbering and signing each print. Since each is handmade, no two prints are exactly alike.

Linocut portraits of historical figure bernard gilpin hanging on a line to dry in artists studio — Some of my Bernard Gilpin linocut prints hanging out to dry in my studio

The History of Linocut Printing

Where Did Linocut Begin?

Interestingly, linoleum was never intended for art. Invented in the 1860s, it was developed as a flooring material, made from linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. But artists soon realized it was soft, affordable, and easier to carve than wood.

Early 20th Century: Expressionist Roots

The German Expressionists, particularly the Die Brücke group in the early 1900s, were among the first to adopt linoleum as a medium. The first known linocut to be created was by Erich Heckel in 1903. Artists like Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff used linocuts to create emotionally charged, raw images that challenged traditional norms.

Picasso and the Linocut Revolution

Linocut gained even greater prestige in the 1950s when Pablo Picasso began using the technique. Working with printer Hidalgo Arnéra, Picasso developed the reduction method, carving and printing in successive stages from the same block to create complex, multi-color prints.

This elevated linocut from a student craft to a sophisticated medium embraced by the modern art world. To learn more about the history of linocutting, you may find this article useful.

Tools and Materials Used in Linocut

To create linocut prints, artists typically use:

Linoleum blocks – Available in traditional grey or softer, beginner-friendly varieties.
Gouges – V- or U-shaped tools for carving fine lines and broad areas.
Brayer – A roller to apply ink evenly.
Block printing ink – Available in water-based or oil-based formulas.
Paper – Printmaking paper such as Rives BFK, Somerset, or Japanese washi.
Baren or spoon – For applying hand pressure to transfer the print.
Printing press (optional) – Used for high-volume or precision printing.

To learn about the linocutting tools of the trade I use and where to source them, check out Linocutting - The tools and materials I use.

linocutting tools and equipment lying on a work bench — Your linocut toolkit: All you need to get started with relief printing at home or in a studio

Why Artists Love Linocut

✦ Accessible for Beginners

Linocut requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for new artists or small studios.

✦ Highly Expressive

Bold lines and high contrast give linocuts emotional and visual impact.

✦ Handcrafted Charm

Each print has slight variations, making every piece unique and full of character.

✦ Versatile Technique

Linocut can be used for fine art, posters, book illustrations, and even textiles.

Linocut in the Modern World

Today, linocut is experiencing a renaissance. Independent artists, illustrators, and designers frequently use the technique for both personal work and commercial projects. Platforms like Etsy, Instagram, and local art markets are filled with modern linocut prints featuring botanical themes, wildlife, urban scenes, and political messages.

Printmaking studios and workshops around the world now offer linocut classes, welcoming a new generation of creatives into the fold.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Linocut

Linocut printmaking may have started as a clever use of flooring material, but it has evolved into one of the most beloved print techniques in the art world. From its roots in early Expressionism to its modern-day resurgence, linocut has proven itself as a bold, accessible, and timeless medium.

Whether you’re drawn to its graphic power or want to try your hand at the craft, linocut invites you to slow down, carve with intention, and enjoy the rewarding process of turning negative space into powerful imagery.

Ready to explore linocut for yourself?
Try a simple starter kit, join a printmaking class, or check out your local art shop for supplies. The tools may be humble, but the results are anything but.

What Are Linocut Prints?