plate no. 6395
Tournai Cathedral (August 1934)
M.C. Escher, 1934
experienced study
Recreating this woodcut helps students understand the use of line weight and negative space to create form and depth. It also teaches precision and planning in a complex composition.
technical profile
palette complexity
1
brushwork visibility
1
value contrast
5
compositional simplicity
2
study guide
est. 20 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Prepare a detailed line drawing of the composition, paying close attention to perspective and proportions.
- step 02
Transfer the drawing to a wood block or suitable carving surface.
- step 03
Carefully carve away the areas that will be white, leaving the black lines and shapes raised.
- step 04
Start with the larger areas and gradually work towards the finer details.
- step 05
Use different carving tools to achieve varying line weights and textures.
- step 06
Proof the block regularly to check for errors and make adjustments.
- step 07
Once the carving is complete, ink the block evenly.
- step 08
Print the image onto paper using a press or hand-burnishing technique.
color palette
primary · black
secondary · white
This is a black and white image, so no color mixing is required.
techniques
- ·woodcut carving
- ·line weight variation
- ·cross-hatching
- ·negative space
- ·perspective
common pitfalls
- →Rushing the planning and drawing stage, leading to inaccuracies.
- →Carving too deeply or accidentally removing important lines.
- →Inconsistent inking, resulting in uneven prints.
- →Not proofing the block regularly to catch errors.
materials
surface · wood block or linoleum
required
- ·wood block (or linoleum)
- ·carving tools (gouges, knives)
- ·ink (black oil-based or water-based)
- ·roller (brayer)
- ·printing paper
- ·tracing paper
- ·pencil
- ·bench hook
optional
- ·printing press
- ·baren
- ·burnishing tool
- ·apron
Soft wood blocks are easier to carve but may not hold fine details as well as harder woods. Linoleum is a good alternative for beginners.
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