From the Bookshelf – Linocut Reference Books Part 2

Books! Books! Books! Printed paper. Pictures and words. A tactile experience.

While screens and devices provide access to previously inaccessible resources, the pleasure and experience of a book remains unmatched. There’s  delight in turning the pages, carefully bookmarking pictures or quotes for future reference. As you crack open a book for the first time, inhale the unique and intoxicating scent of freshly printed ink on the pages. Settle into your favorite chair, indulging in the assurance that the only battery at risk of running low is your own, as you gracefully drift into nap-land.

A few months ago I posted this photo (above) of my stack of linocut reference books. I had shared the books that weekend with students at one of my reduction linocut workshops. Before putting them away, I stopped to enjoy just how special the collection was.

For so many years it was hard to find quality linocut reference material. Now I feel we’re almost spoiled for choice. And I’m so grateful for it.

I’m building library of printmaking books to share with students during workshops and classes. The library shelves are a treasure trove of inspiration, insights into processes and techniques, and showcasing the work of printmaking artists from around the world.

My collection of Linocut reference books has grown over the years. A bit over 3 years ago I shared my 3 favourite linocut reference books from my library. I love that the collection has swelled to over 15 linocut books now. And I have every intention of continuing to grow the collection.

Below is a list of what’s in the pile in the photo at the top of the page. The listed order is different to the photograph … I have loosely categorised them into to categories – technical instruction and artists’ work. All a beautiful books full of ideas, inspiration, explanation and tips from very generous printmakers around the world.

Linocut books with excellent technical instruction

A Printmaker’s Cookbook, Images in Relief – Dianne Fogwell
I LOVE this book! Full of beautiful reproductions of Dianne’s work, with even more technical information about process and printing. It is a beautiful and valuable insight into the beautiful printmaking work by, who I believe is, one of Australia’s most prominent printmakers. So much to learn. So much to be inspired by.
Buy: inflorescencepress.com.au
Published: 2018
ISBN: 978–0–6483846–0–1

Linocut and Reduction Printmaking – Laura Boswell
Laura Boswell is one of my most favourite reduction linocut printmaking artists. This book is a fabulous resource for anyone wanting to learn or advance their skills in reduction linocut.
Buy: most online bookstores
Published: Crowood Press, 2022
ISBN: 9780719840319

Linocut for artists & designers – Nick Morley
This book is a simple and expertly explained resource detailing the processes involved in linocut. It shares tips and covers just about everything you need to know about the versatile and accessible craft of linocut printing. A great book to reference when you’re getting started.
Buy: Direct from Nick Morley or most online bookstores
Published: Crowood Press, 2016
ISBN:978–1–78500–145–1

Linocut – Sam Marshall
A new book sharing step-by-step instructions and tips to create linocut prints. Another great book to reference when you’re getting started in linocut printmaking.
Buy: Direct from Sam Marshall or most online bookstores
Published: Herbert Press, 2023
ISBN: 1789940702

Linocut books focused on the printed works of the artists

The Book of Pebbles – Christopher Stocks & Angie Lewin
A book dedicated to the simple beauty of pebbles … and who doesn’t love collecting pebbles? Wonderfully illustrated with works by Angie Lewin.
Buy: most online bookstores
Published: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2020
ISBN: 978-0500023754

A Year Unfolding – Angela Harding
A stunning collection of prints from the natural environment across the seasons that inspire Angela’s work. The more I look at the printed works, the more I see. It is a beautiful book full of insight and inspiration.
Buy: Direct from Angela Harding or most online bookstores
Published: Little Brown, 2022
ISBN: 9780751584332

Plants and Places – Angie Lewin
This book was an early addition to my library. Angie’s work is beautiful – linocut and woodcut. The colours, composition, design and stories they tell. Another beautiful book.
Buy: most online bookstores
Published: Merrell Publishers, 2010
ISBN: 978-1858945361

William S.Rice – California Block Prints
I love the works of William S. Rice … his use of colour and the simplicity of his composition and images; their ability to visually articulate the warmth or chill of the scene, the texture and fresh air in the images he created.
Buy: search online. It’s unfortunately not so easy to locate now.
Published: Pomegranate Communications Inc,US, 2009
ISBN: 978-0764948039

Dennis Nona and Alick Tipoti – Limited Edition Linocuts, Etchings and Sculptures
A beautiful printed collection of work by two artists from Badu Island in the Torres Strait.
Buy: Australian Art Network
Published: The Australian Print Network, 2009
ISBN: 9780957968615

Art of Travel – Gail Brodholt
I love Gail’s approach to linocut printmaking. When I look at her work I try to breakdown the colours and layering she used to achieve the end result.
Buy: Direct from Gail Brodholt or Mascot Media
Published: Mascot media, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-9954651-5-2

The Printmaker’s Cat – Alan Marshall
I love cats … and a book focused on one subject is a fabulous way to enjoy different interpretations and approaches to that  subject. A great reference book for texture and colour, and cats! More than linocut, it includes etching, woodcut, engraving, silkscreen and more. Work is featured from 56 UK printmakers.
Buy: Mascot Media
Published: Mascot Media, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-9929914-2-5

Limited Edition Campbridge Original Printmakers
A beautiful collection of 250 varied, original fine art prints from 43 printmakers from the greater Cambridge area. Varied subjects, processes and designs.
Buy: Mascot Media
Published: Mascot Media, 2018
ISBN: 978-1999845773

Pressing On – Robert Gilmore
Robert Gilmore was a prolific wildlife artist. This book is a beautiful collection his colourful linocut artworks. Striking and inspirational.
Buy: Mascot Media
Published: Mascot Media, 2018
ISBN: 978-1-9998457-1-1

Wings over Water – Alan Marshall
In the same vein as The Printmaker’s Cat (mentioned above), this book focuses on the one subject – birds. More than 50 printmaking artists contributed 320 original handprinted fine art prints; and a wonderful collection of diverse printmaking styles.
Buy: Mascot Media
Published: Mascot Media, 2019
ISBN: 978-1916478312

Kookaburra Kookaburra – Bridget Farmer
Bridget Farmer is a UK born, Australian printmaker, creating original works of Australian birds. This book is a collection of linocut illustrations of some of Australia’s most loved birds. Another inspirational linocut reference book!
Buy: Direct from Bridget Farmer or most online bookstores
Published: Thames & Hudson, 2018
ISBN: 978-1760760281

Adelės Bražėnaitės. Grapikos darby albumas
I purchased this book direct from Adele, a Lithuanian folk artist, several years ago. The book is an ‘album’ showcasing her linocut folk art styled linocut artworks. I’m not sure if you can still buy the book. If you can get hold of a copy, and yuo enjoy folk art, this book is truly worth it!
Buy: I don’t know if you can buy this book anymore.