does anyone here do lino printing?

[Kveta]

I've just started doing my own blocks after wanting to for years! it isn't going that well, but early days and all that, it's just for fun.

was just curious if anyone else here does it, and if so, a) what ink do you find best, and b) where do you find inspiration?

:)

Hi have done it in the past [when kids were tiny!] Couldn't comment on ink - I think we got some from an artsy relative.

Inspiration:

we did lino prints for our baby announcement cards with a line drawing of the baby [no-one can really tell if it's "like", can they?!]
also a teddy bear
a very stylised snowdrop
I love looking at other people's landscapes but I know I couldn't do them, they're way too advanced for me!

wow, cutting your own baby announcement cards is impressive! I just got 2 more sheets of soft lino in the post, so am looking forward to the weekend!

What is it that's going well? Are you using oil based ink & rolling till you have a very thin covering on the glass before applying to the lino? Also are you using a press or doing it by hand?

Not going well I meant!

oh, it's just getting clean lines is not as easy as I'd thought, will take me a couple of goes I'm sure to get the hang of it!

I was just using tempera poster paint as we have some kicking around, will need to get some oil based ink if you can recommend any? and yes, doing it by hand, I have 2 brayers, one for ink, one for the printing :)

Just buy a basic oil based ink, I did print at uni years ago but couldn't tell you any brands.you will get a much better finish,I would imagine poster paint would spread too much. If you warm the lino on the raidiator or with a hair dryer before cutting it makes it alot easier.
Have you looked at Angie Lewin for inspiration,one one my favourites

There are some good videos showing excellent technique on you tube.

thanks turquoise I will have a look when I have the chance! did another cut at the weekend, and it is better than my last one, so can see an improvement already!

I use printing ink these inks which are really easy to use, and as they're water-based it's super easy to wash off the lino and rollers. Remember to use really sharp tools, but it is hard work, and tricky getting straight fine lines. Also remember, less ink is best - little bit on the glass/whatever and roll roll roll! If you use too much your lino with slip about, not print evenly, and it will take aaaaages to dry. But when you're up to speed it's so much fun, and so rewarding!

haha! That was bizarre! This is the black one, but they do all colours.