printmaking - relief prints

relief prints are made by creating a design on a flat surface, usually a wooden block or a piece of linoleum, and carving away the areas not to be printed (the negative space).

What is left is a raised design, that when inked and pressed against paper, is transferred (like a stamp).

The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, is a well-known example of a relief print.

Katsushika Hokusai,The Great Wave Off (detail), 1823-29, relief print, 25.4 x 38.1 cm.

just try it!

Make your own relief print by creating a design on a piece of foam or potato. Carve away the areas around your design so that it stands out. Apply paint with a brush, press firmly onto paper, and lift to reveal your print!