Sometimes when I print a design I decide to change something about it or add something to the design after I have done the initial proof prints. This is the case with the recent Banksia coccinea design. You can see the linocut block on top of the proof print which I have handoloure – painted with watercolours.
This initial rough proof print seemed ok but when I printed a couple of extras that I thought I might need as watercolour proofs I found that the carving of some of the stamen within the banksias was simply not deep enough and they quickly filled with ink leaving progressively thinner lines.
This closeup shows where I have come back to the linocut block and recarved sections making the lines a bit deeper and less prone to filling with ink. If you look closely you will see some carved sections have the ink stain and others look ‘cleaner’ – these are the recarved stamens.
I’ll see if this time when I print it I am happy with the results!
Wildflowerings - Art Studio Diary 
You’ve been doing some incredible carving lately Lynn ! – The lino looks great.
pete
Hi Pete,
Some of the work as i said has been carved for months but others are new. I should to have more time now to actually build or rebuild a new catalogue of work – hopefully!
I see your going on to do your doing Honours this year and the spot at Rendezvous Creek looks like a great spot to work. I’ll be following your progress!
Hi,
I love your blog. Such amazingly, stunningly beautiful work. I was wondering what kind of tools you use to carve the linoleum?
Kathryn
I use a very old speedball lino carving set – over 25yrs old! Just because I like the way it works in my hand. I also regularly keep the blades sharp and have posted some info on this website about that.
Lyn,
I´m loving and enjoying all your entries as they´re being really helpful to learn a bit more about lino carving. As the previous person I was wondering as well how do you manage to carve such small and detailed lines, specially the curved stamen. Would you mind to point out were to find the entry were you talk about your blades? do you have a picture of them.
Congratulations for your beautiful work and a big thank you from London
Alvaro
Hi Alvaro,
Thanks for your lovely comments.
I should do an entry on my actual carving tools. My tools are actually almost 30yrs old – they are speedball and although the newer sets available now look similar they don’t seem to have the quality of mine and certainly the blades are not what I am used to. I have become very accustomed to my carving tools and blades and regularly sharpen them and try and look after them. I have some contacts that are currently investigating new carving tools – so I’ll try and add any info I find out to the blog as it comes along.
I do not use the thicker straight handled wooden tools and the v shaped gouges are very small to achieve the finer lines – although I often wish I could get them finer but then inking can be a problem…
kind regards
Lyn