Getting into Linocut Printmaking or other forms of Printmaking can be daunting with so much information out there about the subjects. There are many techniques and some overlap. I want to help you navigate the printmaking process. These are 5 printmaking books for Beginners.

The following books I found to be helpful in my printmaking journey and some that I thought would be a good resource for alternative techniques.

Here are my top 5 books for beginning printmakers. Some I found by accident and some I found by doing research on the history of printmaking. All of them will be useful and help you in your printmaking journey.

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5. Linocut for Artists and Designers Kindle Edition by Nick Morley

I bought this after the facebook group Linocut Friends raved about it. You can read more about resources for printmakers here. These include stores and Facebook groups.

This book is very good for beginners. The format of the book is very nice and I think it would be a welcomed addition into any printmakers references.

4. Prints and Their Makers Hardcover – Phil Sanders

I have not purchased this book. However, after examining the table of content, I think I may purchase it soon. It looks as if this book is suitable for intermediate to advanced printmakers as it contains information about intaglio and Chine Colle.

3. Prints and Printmaking: An Introduction to the History and Techniques – Antony Griffiths

If you are like me, you might be more interested in the history of print. This book I stumbled upon after reading some footnotes in an article about printmaking. I like that it provides a lot of visual examples of historical prints. It also touches on mezzotint, wood engravers, as well as etching and aquatint.

This book is not necessarily about how to go about the techniques, but it gives more of an overview of the methods with different printmaking techniques.

In addition, there is a section where it gives a catalogue of more books to check out for history and techniques on printmaking.

2. Making Japanese Woodblock Prints – Laura Boswell

I don’t know about any of you, but I am a fan of Laura Boswell. She is so knowledgeable about linocut printmaking, Japanese printmaking, and so much. This book may be suitable for intermediate printmakers who have experimented a bit and want to branch out. Just because it says woodcut, don’t let that deter you.

Everything is easily translatable to linoleum. I believe she is going to create another book about reduction printmaking with linocut in the future.

1. Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials & Process (Printmaker’s Bible, process shots, techniques, step-by-step illustrations) – Bill Fick and Beth Grabowski

This was my first printmaking book I bought when visiting a little bookshop in Santa Cruz five or six years ago now. It was pricey at the time for something I wanted to learn about, but after reading it many times as well as using it for reference.

It really is worth the money and is a comprehensive collection of printmaking techniques, materials, artists, and the art in the book is great.

I would highly recommend this book and it continues to be my favorite go to book about printmaking and linocut. I would rate it suitable for new printmakers and printmakers wanting to explore other printmaking techniques.