Reduction linocut printmaker
Since moving to Bicester in 2012 Alexandra has been able to set up a basic studio at home to practice and improve my reduction linocut technique.

Linocutting is a relief printing technique where areas are carved from a block with gouges, the surface of the block is then inked up and an impression is taken. Reduction linocut is a technique which enables a multi-coloured impression to be built up in layers. It is a perfect medium for me as it requires logical thinking and accuracy, whilst giving me opportunity to fully explore colour. I tend to approach my work in a painterly way as I have done a lot of painting in the past.

Inspiration
Many of my linocuts are woodland themed. I enjoy walking in the woods and I find them a constant source of inspiration. I often go to Stoke Wood managed by the Woodland Trust or more recently Evenley Wood Garden. I also enjoy watery scenes, summer fields and flowers as themes for my linocuts. I am also lucky to have several great National Trust gardens nearby, Stowe, Waddesdon and Claydon. The majority of my work is inspired by places local to me, unless I have been lucky enough to get away on holiday. Generally I'm attracted by any scene with an interesting combination of colours, dramatic light or interesting reflections.

I can show you how...
I have been teaching lino since 2013, some students haven't picked up a pencil in 40 years and need encouragement, others are arty already and want to try out a technique that is new to them, and some have plenty of lino cutting experience already and want to focus on something specific. All seem to leave my workshops happy, which is always pleasing! See Lino Printing Workshops for more information about courses I am currently offering.