Wood engraving by novice engraver

One day introduction workshop to wood engraving.
Wood engraving block

Close up photograph of a novices wood engraving block surface.

Lynne believes in continuing her professional development and part of this includes exploring other printmaking methods. Hosted by Northern Print in Newcastle, Chris Daunt, workshop leader, took us through the process of creating a wood engraving introducing the tools used and guiding us in their use.

As with all encounters with new techniques never tackled before, the problem is a catch-22 one. When you don't understand the nature of the medium, it becomes very difficult to prepare - yet to maximise a practical learning exercise, it's important to prepare something. Lynne did take a sketchbook with some initial ideas in it, but quickly realised they weren't appropriate. A quick scrabble around looking at some reference material, thankfully provided an ideal first woodcut exercise. She was reminded that 'copying' is often the best way to take your first steps in a new medium.