Crowood Press (UK) Linocut for Artists and Designers

I've recently begun to explore linocut again as the perfect lock down activity and wanted a book to inspire and guide me. After a lot of research and reading the free online chapters I went for this one and am so glad I did. It is great and should be used as an example for anyone considering writing an instructional book on any kind of art or craft.The author gives clear ,well illustrated directions on how to make linocut prints, covering nearly everything you need to know - not just how to but also what not to do and with pictures showing the difference.It is full of examples of his and other artists work that are interesting and inspiring and is written in a style that combines clarity with humanity. The step by step projects guide the reader through basics to the more complex areas of making multi-block, reduction and colour printing.If you have already made a simple one colour print from a starter kit and want to know how to progress this book will give you invaluable guidance on materials, equipment , designing and techniques that will help you. I am certain that this book will easily repay its price in making savings on materials, time and frustration and also inspire you immensely. It did me.

For any beginner or intermediate linocutter: this is the best book on the subject I have seen. Very clear methodical chapters with great inspirational examples from Nick Morley and many other artists. Great layout makes it very readable and easy to dip in and out when looking for a specific topic or tip. All 176 pages first class!

I have no experience in linocutting, but am interested in the artform itself. (I'm a graphic designer and photographer used to digital tools.) I'm also hoping to soon have a small, basic studio space and so have been wondering what's involved in linocutting and if it's something I would enjoy doing myself. Nick Morley's book is perfect for me.The book is clearly written and logically laid out. He outlines the basic kit you would need, identifies some higher quality tools if you want to take it further, and describes various studio setups -- from kitchen table to professional installation.Most useful to me was his description of the full, fairly complex PROCESS of creating a linocut: carving your lino with different tools to get different marks and effects; selecting ink and paper; rolling out the ink; inking up your lino block; hand printing and also using various manual printing presses.He then gets into a variety of design considerations -- first using black ink, then later mixing and printing different types of coloured inks and understanding their effects.The print quality of this book is very good -- which is what you want -- and throughout there's some good illustrations of the author's and others' work, as well as step-by-step series of images showing technique.The whole thing is down to earth, clear and enthusiastic, and I'd recommend Linocut For Artists & Designers to anyone wanting to know more about this artform and how to start doing it.

This book is a model for how craft, art and creative practices should be written.It is both instructive and compelling, providing a brilliant balance of advice and background information.I would highly recommend this book if you are interested in the background, subject, process or trying it for yourself.

I was expecting to be a bit inspired to try linocuts, which I did at school many years ago and really enjoyed.I particularly love the work of artists such as Jane Walker, Angela Harding and Robert Gillmor.and was hoping to learn how to create something akin to their work - though in a VERY much simpler way!This book was dull and the examples of work by the author were a bit depressing. I haven't pursued it any further - but I did buy Angela harding's calendar for 2022 and enjoy looking at that!