Woodcut
Woodcuts are classified as a form of relief print i.e. ink is transferred from the higher relief areas of a carved surface. Any incision in the wood will result in this area not being printed, revealing the paper below on the printed image.
A woodcut, as the name suggests, is a handmade print that has been taken from a piece of cut wood. It is important that the wood is cut lengthways with the grain, giving a surface that is relatively easy to cut with gouges, chisels and knives. Once inked, the image is transferred from the top surface of the block of wood to the paper, usually through a printing press, although it can also be done by hand, using a baren, spoon or similar tool rubbed on the reverse of the paper.
A woodcut, as the name suggests, is a handmade print that has been taken from a piece of cut wood. It is important that the wood is cut lengthways with the grain, giving a surface that is relatively easy to cut with gouges, chisels and knives. Once inked, the image is transferred from the top surface of the block of wood to the paper, usually through a printing press, although it can also be done by hand, using a baren, spoon or similar tool rubbed on the reverse of the paper.
Woodcuts have been used by artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Hans Holbein and Lucas Cranach since the 16th century as a method of creating multiple images. In 17th century Japan the technique was widely practised by artists such as Hokusai and Hiroshige and in the modern era it was used to great expressive effect by Paul Gauguin and Edvard Munch.
The Castle Gallery, Inverness, is renowned for its extensive collection of handmade prints from artists who are amongst the leading exponents of original prints in the UK, including many who have been elected to the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. We promote original handmade prints because we believe in their superb craftsmanship, aesthetic value and integrity.
The Castle Gallery, Inverness, is renowned for its extensive collection of handmade prints from artists who are amongst the leading exponents of original prints in the UK, including many who have been elected to the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers. We promote original handmade prints because we believe in their superb craftsmanship, aesthetic value and integrity.