Artwork description:

Untitled (or insert your chosen title here)
Original Handmade Reduction Linocut Print
Medium: Water-based artist inks on Italian Fabriano paper
Image size: approx. 30.6 × 20.3 cm
Paper size: approx. 36.7 × 26.5 cm
Edition: Limited (reduction print, cannot be reproduced)
Ships flat and unframed

I love the beach in all its moods—whether it's a windswept British winter shore, a bustling beach full of people to watch, a tropical paradise, or a peaceful, deserted stretch of sand. Beaches have a magical quality, and this artwork is meant to reflect that universal appeal. This scene can be anywhere your imagination takes you.

In real life, the inspiration came from a photo I took at Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast. Behind me were winding paths through sand dunes, and above on the cliffs stood a dramatic castle. Around the other side, villagers were playing cricket—like a scene straight out of a film.

This is a reduction linocut print, a completely handmade artwork. Only one piece of lino is used throughout the process, which is carved and printed in stages. No machines are used, and once the edition is printed, it can never be recreated.

I draw the design in reverse onto the lino and carve away the lightest areas first—these will remain the colour of the paper. I then ink the lino and print the first layer. After that, I carve again, print the next colour, and repeat the process. This print required 5 individual layers to build up the final image.

Printed using water-based artist inks on beautiful Fabriano paper, the result is a rich, matte finish with natural texture.

Materials used:

lino, cutting tools, roller, inks, printing press, paper

Tags: