reduction print /
a timeline of development
The reduction method explained
The reduction method uses just one block instead of a different block for each colour. It is the block that is 'reduced' with each layer of printing. The printmaker will start by carving away any areas that need to be left as white paper and will then print the first colour, usually the lightest shade. They will then carve away any parts that should remain as this colour before printing the next layer. This method presents many challenges, not least that it is impossible to return to an earlier stage because the plate has already been carved away, so there is no going back and starting again if things go wrong.
(source: www.janeduke.com)
Another consideration is that each new ink layer will have every previous layer under it, and the translucency of the ink means that earlier colours will affect the ones printed over it. (For instance printing yellow over blue will show as green, not yellow).
(source: www.janeduke.com)
The process of making the reduction woodcut tre can be seen below, however the final edition of eight contains at least five layers.
