The Woodcut Artist's Handbook: Techniques and Tools for Relief Printmaking (Woodcut Artist's Handbook: Techniques & Tools for Relief Printmaking)

I bought this book to expand my knowledge of woodcut relief printmaking. Although it is very informative in the processes and techniques its focus is heavy on wood engraving. I was not expecting that. It does differentiate in the various relief processes such as linoleum, (which is not wood as in the title) wood, and newer materials that supplement use of wood such as resingrave a plastic matrix for engraving.A very thorough explanation of method, process and tools. great for the individual that wants a know how of this medium with good illustrations and descriptions. Heavy on text, a good book to refer to for "how to"Suitable for college students and adults interested in this medium.

This is an excellent book for someone who is beginning or wishes to learn more about the technique of making woodblock or woodcut prints. It is clear & easy to understand, yet it covers different types of woodcut -from simple to more detailed, complicated styles & designs. It also contains some beautiful examples of artwork from other woodblock artists.

Very technical but easy to read. useful for beginners, journeymen and atisans. Covers all aspects of wood block cutting. You will not be disappointed.

i bought this book for 1 reason: to learn the terminology and the names of the tools used in woodcut/engraving so that i would be able to shop for said items without finding myself at the mercy of an art store clerk. to that end this book served its purpose. the rest of the information contained here is obvious to the point of being self-explanatory. if you have ever had an art course in elementary school or beyond you are probably familiar with the basic concepts behind relief printmaking and you are not likely to find anything new here. to be fair, the author states that the best way to learn these techniques is to practice and to observe the work of other artists. there are some really nice examples of the work of some remarkable wood-/linocut artists and engravers peppered throughout as well as toward the back of the book, but i cant help but to point out that the title is a little bit misleading. handbook? exactly how one would use this as some sort of ongoing reference escapes me. it is, at best, a competent - if not exhaustively thorough - introduction.

This was a more informative than instructive book on woodcutting. This is not meant to diminish it in any way - only to point out that if you have the block of wood in front of you and you have a deadline looming close int he futures - this probably would not be of much help. Still - a good keeper in the library at home.

Thank you Mr. Walker.I'd have given 4-1/2 stars if possible. This book is exactly as advertised by it's title. Very readable and concise with clear illustrations. Understanding that this book is not a pretentious compendium of the entire history of woodcuts will increase your appreciation of what is presented. I have 30-years experience in printmaking, and found this book well worth the read.

I've been doing woodcuts for some time. This book didn't provide any information that I hadn't picked up from other sources. Very little on knife and gouge quality recommendations. For example Japanese knives are really superior in my experience. Also, most illustrations were engravings, not woodcuts. The techniques are quite different. Also, although you can make woodcuts using almost any wood surface, cherry is the best in my experience. Cherry can be found in used furniture such a table leaves. He also discussed the length of cuts (2inches) as an example of using short cuts to make arched forms. A 2 inch cut is a long! cut unless the piece is very large and detail is also large . Disappointing.

The Woodcut Artist's Handbook is a good introduction to the art of the woodcut. There is a clear progression through all the steps of carving your design, inking and printing.This book is a good introduction for someone wanting to try this skill. It will help you choose decent tools, and dive in quickly.

Hugely useful guide to woodcut, with a host of information delivered in a readable and enjoyable format. Includes a background on the practice, tips on tools, blocks, techniques and more. Detailed throughout with beautiful illustrations and instructional drawings. Would thoroughly recommend to beginners along with those interested in learning more about their craft.

I bought this book in order to learn about the different tools and methods for a wood engraving course I have now completed. It gives clear and very helpful advice on tools methods etc. Diagrams of the tools were particularly good as before the course many online descriptions were quite vague. I am sure this will prove to be a good reference book for my relief printing in the future.

Good!

A very good basic book

Am a total beginner and this was a really helpful book to get me going. Some great pictures in here too.