REDUCTION LINOLEUM BLOCK CARVING & PRINTING WORKSHOP

Instructed by Mary Bruno (Bruno Press)

January 31, 2026
12:00-4:30pm

Class Size: Maximum 8

Printing multiple colors from a single linoleum block? What kind of sorcery is this? Reduction block printing will have you thinking about image-making in new, mind-bending ways. And there’s nobody better to show you this cool linoleum block carving technique than me - Mary Bruno of Bruno Press in St. Joseph, Minnesota. No experience needed!

In this 1-day workshop, you’ll spend 4.5 hours transferring, carving and printing a multicolor image from a single linoleum block— my specialty. Through a series of progressive carvings and press runs, the image emerges while the actual linoleum block, which continues to be carved away, is destroyed.

In a single session, I will explain the process as well as answer your questions on the following:

• Choosing appropriate images for reduction linocut printing (Images are provided for this workshop)

• Transferring the image onto the linoleum block

• Selecting the right carving tools and wielding them properly

• Visualizing the many stages your print will go through as your reduction cut progresses

This class is for any person who is interested in creating unique hand-carved images and prints. This style of printmaking is doable whether you have access to a printing press or not.

This workshop offers the hands-on instruction needed to carve your reduction linoleum block and print a set of 5-10 , 8x5 prints with 5 color layers. Images and ink colors are provided by the instructor.

Reduction linoleum carving is a block printing method in which each color layer is carved into the same linoleum block. Part of the design is carved into the block and printed. The process is then repeated for each layer of color.