Bumblebee – Original Reduction Linocut Print (2024) Linocut by Jennie Smallenbroek

Celebrate the beauty and importance of nature with this original hand-pulled reduction linocut print of a bumblebee surrounded by elegant floral motifs. The image measures 30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 inches) and is printed on premium 35 × 35 cm (13.8 × 13.8 inches) Fabriano 300 gsm paper. Each print is carefully hand-printed using 9 layers of Caligo Safe Wash oil-based ink, resulting in rich colours, beautiful depth, and subtle texture.
This artwork is part of a limited edition, making every print a unique collector's piece.

Inspired by Nature and Art Nouveau
My inspiration comes from everyday life in the Dutch countryside. While working in my studio, I hear sheep grazing, horses neighing, and goats wandering nearby. The beauty of nature and the animals around me constantly inspire my work, and the bumblebee is one of nature's most fascinating and important creatures.
The design is influenced by the flowing lines and decorative elegance of Art Nouveau, with particular inspiration drawn from the work of William Morris and Alphonse Mucha. Their timeless style gives this bumblebee a graceful and decorative character.

Every Print is Unique
Every impression is printed entirely by hand. Because each layer is inked and printed individually, slight variations in colour, ink distribution, and texture naturally occur. Sometimes the roller leaves a slightly different pattern, or the ink is mixed with subtle differences. These small variations are part of the traditional printmaking process and ensure that every print is truly one of a kind.

Traditional Reduction Linocut Technique
This artwork is created using the demanding reduction linocut technique. After each colour is printed, more of the linoleum block is carved away before the next layer can be added. Once a section has been removed, it can never be replaced, making every stage permanent. The process requires careful planning, precision, and patience.
This bumblebee print is built up from 9 carefully planned carving and printing stages. On YouTube, you can watch the fascinating moment when I carefully lift the paper from the linoleum block after each layer, revealing the image step by step.

Specifications
Image size: 30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 inches)
Paper size: 35 × 35 cm (13.8 × 13.8 inches) – Fabriano 300 gsm
Framed size (optional): 40 × 40 cm (15.7 × 15.7 inches) with white passe-partout
Printing technique: 9-layer reduction linocut
Edition: Limited edition
Printed with: Caligo Safe Wash oil-based ink
Hand-printed
Available: With or without frame

Whether you're a nature lover, an art collector, or searching for a meaningful handmade gift, this original bumblebee linocut brings elegance, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the natural world into any interior. It also combines beautifully with the other animal linocuts in my collection to create a harmonious gallery wall.

Materials used:

oil

Details:

• Linocut on Paper
• From a limited edition of 40
• Size: 39.88 x 39.88 x 5.08cm (framed) / 29.97 x 29.97cm (actual image size)
• Framed and ready to hang
• Signed and numbered certificate of authenticity
• Style: Unspecified
• Subject: Animals and birds

Featured by our Editors:

• Prints under £250
• Quiet luxury