White Line Woodcut Fever

I love the textures from the wood.  You paint one section and then rub the back of the paper. Deceptively simple.
I love the textures from the wood. You paint one section at a time and then rub the back of the paper to transfer the image from the woodblock.  Deceptively simple.

I took a class with Amy McGregor Radin  in April of 2013 at the Arsenal Center for the Arts in Watertown, MA.  I discovered a  technique that brings together printmaking and watercolor painting: two of my favorite things.   White line woodcut was developed in Provincetown, MA in 1915, and made famous by Blanche Lazell and a number of other artists who embraced this simple technique as an alternative to Japanese woodblock printing (which requires a separate block for each color).

Painting the wood block with watercolor
Painting the wood block with watercolor

Below is a new print entitled Evening Owl.  I love the subtle gradations of color and the textures that are transferred from the wood.

Evening Owl

5 thoughts on “White Line Woodcut Fever”

  1. Lisa: I loved the woodcuts on your latest blog. I see from the photos that you use watercolors from tubes, which probably permit a better image transfer than the dried cakes. Dad

  2. John is available to play Wednesday June 30. We have arranged a ride for him. Please confirm.

    Kate Parenteau (John’s daughter)

    Thank you!

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