The beginners workshop will teach you how to carve and print a Renoir Ezy Carve block 10x15cm approximately using thin and thick lines on already made designs (or designs of your own). Participants will walk away with at least three prints of the design, basic knowledge and practical skills which can be used later at home (Yes, you can also take the block home). The plates are made of Ezy Carve (or equivalent), a new generation carving material that allows a very smooth and safe process unlike the traditional lino that is a bit harder to work with.One of the sides of the carving blocks will have an already made design with a marine theme with the aim of raising awareness about marine conservation, however, if you feel like doing your own design you can turn around the plate and hand draw your own design to later carve and print it. We will work on both sides of the plate, another great advantage of Ezy Carve. Rainbow roller and printing on fabric will be part of the workshop. You are welcome to bring along 1 x image: 10x15cm. There will also be time in class to develop your imagery. Materials valued at $50 are provided by Tutor and included in fee.
Linocut Printmaking for Beginners
Course Description
Discover the timeless art of linocut printmaking in this beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop.
You’ll learn how to carve and print your own 10 x 15 cm (approximately) Ezy Carve block using both fine and bold line techniques.
Participants can choose from a pre-prepared marine-themed design focused on ocean conservation or create their own original artwork.
Working with Ezy Carve (or equivalent), a smooth and easy-to-carve material that offers a safer and more accessible alternative to traditional lino, you’ll explore classic black-and-white printing as well as creative rainbow roller techniques.
By the end of the session, you’ll take home at least three hand-printed artworks, your carved block to reuse, and the foundational skills needed to continue printing confidently at home.
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Course Structure
The workshop begins with an introduction to relief printmaking principles, including positive and negative space, line work, and safe carving techniques.
Participants will learn how to transfer a design onto their block before being guided step by step through the carving process, experimenting with thin and thick lines to create contrast and texture.
Demonstrations will show how to ink blocks correctly and prepare paper for printing.
Once carving is complete, students will move into the printing phase.
You’ll explore traditional black-and-white prints as well as rainbow roller techniques, printing onto a selection of paper types.
Throughout the session, the tutor provides practical guidance on tool use, inking methods, and clean-up procedures.
Please note that participants will be required to stand for short periods during the printing process.
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Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of relief printmaking
- Safely carve a printing block using thin and thick line techniques
- Transfer a design onto a carving block
- Ink and print using black and coloured relief inks
- Apply rainbow roller techniques
- Produce multiple hand-printed artworks
- Feel confident continuing linocut printing at home.
Course Requirements
The course fee includes the following materials valued at $65:
Individual materials:
- One 10 x 15 cm carving block (approximately)
- Lino carving tools for use during the workshop
- Selection of printing papers
- Workshop notes
Shared materials:
- Black and coloured relief printing inks
- Proofing papers
- Rollers and rolling slabs
- Cleaning materials
Students are asked to please bring:
- Protective clothing (apron or old shirt)
- Disposable gloves (optional but recommended)
- Optional: one 10 x 15 cm image to transfer onto your block (tracing paper will be provided)
Your Tutor is Camilo Esparza
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Camilo Esparza has been teaching at WEA since 2024.
Camilo grew up in Bogota, Colombia and started painting and printmaking under the mentoring of his Dad, the Colombian Artist Eduardo Esparza.
In 2008, Camilo came to South Australia to undertake further studies at The University of Adelaide and decided to make Adelaide his home.
In 2014, the spark of art came back to him after a visit to the Hans Heysen Studio in Hahndorf. Since then he has been painting and printmaking non-stop (literally). Camilo’s most popular series entitled “Marine World” focuses on Australian marine life and imaginary sea creatures and is a call for the protection of endangered marine species. He documents his work on Instagram.
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