Making Woodcuts And Wood Engravings

If there is, indeed, nothing lovelier than a tree, Connecticut-based artist Bryan Nash Gill shows us why. Creating large-scale relief prints from the cross sections of trees, the artist reveals the sublime power locked inside their arboreal rings. Gill creates patterns not only of great beauty but also year-by-year records of the life and times of fallen or damaged logs. He rescues the wood from the property surrounding his studio and neighboring land, extracts and prepares blocks of various species (including ash, maple, oak, spruce, and willow), then makes prints by carefully following and pressing the contours of rings and ridges until the intricate designs transfer from tree to paper. The results are colored, nuanced shapes—mesmerizing impressions of the structural integrity hidden inside each tree. These exquisitely detailed prints are collected and published here for the first time, with an introduction by esteemed nature writer Verlyn Klinkenborg and an interview with the artist describing his labor-intensive printmaking process. Also featured are Gill's series of printed lumber and offcuts, such as burls, branches, knots, and scrubs. Woodcut will appeal to anybody who appreciates the grandeur and mystery of trees, as well as those who work with wood and marvel at the rich history embedded in its growth.

An indispensable guide to creating woodcut masterpieces, this volume offers instructions that range from using the simplest strokes to making intricate multicolor print blocks. Easy-to-follow instructions are complemented by 98 illustrations, many in color.

Woodblock printing is an ancient art form, which produces beautiful, subtle and lively pieces with just a few simple materials. This book introduces the art, and shares technical information and ideas for those with more experience. A wide range of exciting examples of printed woodcuts are shown along with advice on materials and tools, and a step-by-step guide to sharpening. Techniques to achieve quality prints and perfect registration are covered too. Drawing on the vibrant living traditions from China and Japan, it is both a technical guide and an inspiration. Beautifully illustrated with 160 colour photographs.

Praise for the first edition: "An indispensable guide for those who make art out of the contrast between light and dark. And, it's a sheer pleasure for everyone else, thanks to its many wonderful illustrations." -- Artsforum "Walker's instruction is so clear and well organized that this handbook is perfect for the beginner." -- American Artist The history of woodcuts goes back more than a thousand years. Working carefully and with great precision, the woodcut artist carves a mirror image of a design on wood or other suitable material. The design is then inked and pressed against paper. The technique allows the artist to create an almost unlimited number of impressions of the same work. The precision of the work and the ability of the artist to create multiple impressions allow many fine woodcut artists to create pieces at a reasonable price, which an average collector can afford. The Woodcut Artist's Handbook provides the basics of this craft with a detailed analysis of its tools and media. This improved second edition features two new chapters that teach artists step by step how to make an engraving and linocut. Artists can improve and develop considerable skill in this art by following these instructions and the author's professional tips. Beginners and advanced woodcutters and collectors will gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for this craft and art. This profusely illustrated book is ideal for artists, printmakers, designers and collectors.

Wood Engraving is an easily followed, practical manual on wood engraving for the beginner, written by a master in the field. The processes of printing and engraving are clearly explained, together with their material requirements. Up-to-date variations on techniques, and all the tips and methods that the author has found helpful in 30 years as a practitioner are included. The book is also a beautiful art object in its own right as Simon Brett's work is highly collectible. This book is a must have for all those who treasure his work and fine wood engraving in general.

Of all the sophisticated traditional arts and crafts of Japan, woodblock prints are probably the most widely known in the West. The bold yet refined compositions are as fresh to the Western eye today as they were when they first came to the attention of the Impressionists in the nineteenth century. With their fluid lines, intricate carving and delicate colors, Japanese prints are still as fascinating as ever. In this book, Rebecca Salter takes us through the history of the Japanese woodblock, discusses the materials, tools, and papers available (and their Western equivalents) and shows how to get the most out of them through interesting step-by-step projects. The work of an international group of artists shows the varied and exciting prints being produced today.