More Than Meets the Eye: Introduction to Linocut

A Fall 2026 Xchanges Atelier taught by Cindy Wright

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Discover what happens between the first cut and final print

Linocut may be one of the most accessible forms of printmaking, but creating a strong print involves much more than carving an image into a block. In this hands-on, two-day Atelier, artist Cindy Wright takes participants through the journey of the plate, exploring how materials, tools, carving, ink, paper and printing techniques each shape the final impression. 

On Day 1, the course will begin with an introduction to all the materials being employed, and move onto proper preparation, image transfer and comparisons of plate material. Instructions will be provided on carving, carving safety, and the choice of tools to make those carves. At the end of the first day, you will have a series of comparative prints that show how the plates and tools create different marks and you will also have a plate with an image of your choice transferred to a plate.

Day 2 will consist of participants carving that plate, an expansion on proper ink application, and then printing that image with the consideration of working in a single colour or a possible multi-colour image. There will be instructions regarding both printing by hand, but also, how to adapt your presses to printing linocut, including those who have an etching press.

This Atelier is ideal for artists new to linocut, as well as those who have experimented with the process and want to better understand the materials and techniques behind a successful print. The goal is that by the end of the workshop, you will have all the information and many of the tools needed to continue in this area of printmaking.

Choosing an Image

For those new to linocut, images with strong, simplified shapes and bold lines are a great place to begin. Think about how your image might work through positive and negative space. Texture, shadow and details such as cross-hatching are possible, but a simpler image will give you more opportunity to become comfortable with the carving tools and process. 

Atelier Details

Dates: Saturday, October 24 & Sunday October 25

Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm each day

Location: Xchanges Gallery, 2333 Government Street

Atelier Artist: Cindy Wright

Registration: $150.00 for Members | $165.00 for Non-members | Online only, see below

Required Supplies: $30–$40, purchased in advance of the Atelier; see supply list below for complete list of materials

Materials Fee: There will be a $10.00 cash materials fee paid directly to Cindy on the first day of the Atelier for inks and papers provided

Maximum Participants: 10

Accessibility: Please note that Xchanges is not wheelchair accessible; the gallery space is reached by two flights of stairs

If you have questions about access or participating in the Atelier, please contact Xchanges before registering

Refund policy is in effect

Supply List: What to Bring

You’ll need to purchase these supplies in advance of the Atelier to bring with you. Budget approximately $30 to $40 for required supplies, depending on the blocks and tools selected.

Lino blocks

• 1 small Speedball unmounted brown lino block, approximately 3″ x 5″, for carving tests
• 1-2 Speedball unmounted lino blocks in the size of your choice in grey OR a grey Pebeo lino block for your primary image

The primary image will be created on a hessian-backed lino plate. Cindy recommends the grey lino as it tends to be less crumbly when carving. Peblo plates are available at Opus.

Carving tools 

• 1-2 small V-gouges
• 1-2 U-gouges
• 1 carving knife

You do not need an expensive set to participate. Cindy will also have a selection of carving tools available to try and share during the Atelier. Carving tools can be purchased at Opus, Michaels, Lee Valley, and Amazon.ca.

For hand printing

• 1 smooth wooden spoon, new or old, to use as a simple baren for hand printing

Can be purchased at Opus or any general hardware store.

What Xchanges Provides 

Xchanges will provide inks, rollers and an assortment of printing papers for use during the Atelier. Cindy will also have carving tools and different types of barens available for participants to try and share. 

A $10 cash materials fee, payable on the first day, helps cover the inks and papers provided for the Atelier.

Optional Supplies 

In addition, you are welcome to bring:

• A particular ink colour you would like to experiment with
• Additional printmaking paper if you hope to produce a larger number of prints or an edition
• Your own linocut or carving tools if you already have them
• A strop and honing compound if you have good steel carving tools and would like to learn how to hone them

For participants interested in bringing additional paper, Cindy recommends recommends Hahnemuhle Sumi-e (Opus) or the masa paper produced by the Japan Paper Company (Opus or The Paper Company on Fort Street).

Preparing for the Atelier

This is a hands-on printmaking Atelier, so wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Latex or nitrile gloves are also recommended. Please bring a water bottle, snacks and lunch for each day, unless you plan to go out for lunch during the break.

Before the Atelier

All registered participants will receive an email before the Atelier with additional details about visiting Xchanges and preparing for the weekend. Please watch for this message as the Atelier date approaches.

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Registration — Closed

Refund Policy

• If Xchanges cancels a workshop, participants will receive a 100% refund
• If an artist cancels 7 days prior to the workshop, they will receive 100% MINUS the processing fees that Square has applied to their purchase
• If an artist cancels within 7 days of the workshop, they will receive a refund of 50% of the total amount

Why is this policy being implemented?

Our refund policy helps Xchanges cover non-refundable transaction costs and make decisions about whether an Atelier has sufficient registration to proceed. Late cancellations can also make it difficult to offer the available space to another artist.

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Questions?

For any questions about the Atelier, please contact us via email at info[at]xchangesgallery.org