Nightwalker is amazing! So beautiful! It embodies everything I love about the look of wood cuts. I, too, can't wait to see the finished piece. Thank you so much for this demonstration and explanation of all the tools!
Impressive project! I am just starting on this and your tiny cuts are what I was looking for... how to do. Good explanations. I am going to subscribe and go see your work. This video was made ten years ago, so I imagine I will see lots of creativity.
Thank you, Oliver! I'm working on a very fine piece and wasn't sure how to proceed. Your video has me thinking about all the possibilities as well as the care with which you carve.
Hi it is great to see some one to show how to use the tools . I am self taught but this will help me even more .In my study's for my degree . I am in Australia Thank you Rose
The block you referred to as a "sharpening block" is actually for stropping. I am a seasoned woodcarver with more than 50 years of experience. I use ceramic sharpening stones for sharpening, and then I apply a green stropping agent called Zam to my stropping board. I also strop my knives, chisels and gouges often during a carving session to keep the edge polished. There are various types of stropping agents, but I have used Zam for many years, and it works marvelously to keep my tools polished nicely. Thank you, by the way, for sharing your beautiful work with us. Great piece!
You are very symmetrical, with a good "radio" voice and nice hands. Perhaps those are tell tale signs of artistic ability? The carving looks terrific. Do you sell your work? Thank you so much for sharing; I found the information very useful. Bye now
I am increasingly interested in this type of art making, and would be interested in your opinion on this - What are the pros and cons of wood printmaking Vs Lino printmaking.I have only ever used Lino in the past.
Will you share what the wood you chose is? It’s from mclains? And the greenish stuff on the sharpening stone? Thanks for the explanations. I haven’t done wood cutting yet.
I have a set of traditional wood carving tools...gouges etc. brand Flexcut and Helvie, OCC.....would cutting into Linoleum hurt them? I sharpen them on a mounted leather strop.
If you wanted to transfer a pre-existing sketch onto the woodblock for printing would that be possible and how would you do it? Thanks for the great video.
Hi I'm just kinda starting to learn and teach myself how to do woodblock printing and I was wondering if you could figure out what the blade sharpener is called I'm kinda confused about it.
Oliver Michael Robertson What you use on your honing block is called buffing or polishing compound... it can be used on leather, mdf and cardboard to sharpen your tools... you can sharpen backwards, sharpenning sideways is usually when using a stone sharpener. It doesnt really matter which way as long as you arent digging your sharp edge into your sharpening surface
Are you drawing first(with what?) then brushing the sumi ink on top? Also, how will you be printing? Baren or press(if so, what kind)? Thank you for the video! Beautiful linework!
Oliver Michael Robertson Took printmaking in college. My instructor decided I should stick to pottery..... I am better at playing in the mud. Funds are limited but I very much would like to know when its done. Maybe a trade? Anyway let me know. www.cobalt-rain.com justin
There are a lot of US brand gouges on amazon I've been looking at. What do you think of those? Can't you also just use a boxcutter blade for cutting out outlines? They are very sharp and can be replaced easily.
Hey great tutorial! I was told to sharpen my knife sideways, and I've heard of the pulling back method. I'm just wondering if ever sharpened your tools sideways and weather it's more effective to do the pulling thing.
I'm doing a complicated woodblock with a lot of mid tones...do you have any specific recommendations on creating different mid tones? Great video, thanks!
its a diferent way made it , but it looks amazing . I thought you didnt you a sketch but i realize that you made your sketch with pencil right ? however its amazing i would like to see all your works and can you tell me how much you spend in all the materials please :D
I`m sure that is chrome oxide compound on your sharpening block (or chrome oxide itself if it looks like powder. But thats not good at all, I hope my russian goldsmith teacher is the last one to use chrome oxide to sharpen and polish tools) Thank you for sharing, your artworks are amazing!
Oliver, I just came back cross your video, did you ever get this printed? is there a chance to get a print from it and what would it cost if so? Justin
Thanks for your reply. I had a go on linoleum today, first time since I left uni about 7 years ago, and it's way too soft for the detail that I want to achieve. I've got loads of ply knocking around, so I'm going to give it a go.
rolf christophersen I used to, although I found over time that disposable latex gloves work well. That way you can just toss them and not have to wash ink off your hands between prints
Hi and thanks. Can I ask if u can get black surfaced lino in the US? In Oz there are grey and terracotta colured soft lino but no black as far as I know...this would help actually enormously to already see your contrast effect b4 inking.. also 2) could u please get the name of the resin-like chalk surface u apply to sharpening block? thanks again, it was v. informative
Hi!! Im taking printmaking currently I'm wondering what brand are you using for your wood carving tools and where did you get them?:p your vid is so helpful!!!
I was trying to see your work on your site but "This site can’t be reached www.olivermichaelrobertson.com’s server IP address could not be found.". I noticed the woodmarks are not deep . Does the cut just need to be surface deep?Because sometimes with my lino the ink goes into the cut, especially for wider cuts. Do you also use a dremel?
hi, thanks for the video…..do you use japanese tools, which or the companies… also I'm from india so are alternative preferably natural woods to the "shina plywood"
Hello. Yes I use japanese tools from McClain's. Website: www.imcclains.com. As far as other woods you can carve on, there is cherry wood but it is a harder quality. I use cherry on occasion.
Thanks. One of the most informative tutorials on this subject I have seen.
Thank you Oliver. I'm about to start making my first woodblock and your work has inspired me, your video is a fabulous lesson.
Nightwalker is amazing! So beautiful! It embodies everything I love about the look of wood cuts. I, too, can't wait to see the finished piece. Thank you so much for this demonstration and explanation of all the tools!
Nice to see you have made the surface black... I battle to see in the negative using unpainted board.. I will try this technique now. Great video!
Thanks for the details about sharpening the tools. I haven’t found that anywhere else, very useful!
And a lovely piece of work!
As a former teacher, I can well appreciate your excellent tutorial. Thank you.
Cecelia
Impressive project! I am just starting on this and your tiny cuts are what I was looking for... how to do. Good explanations. I am going to subscribe and go see your work. This video was made ten years ago, so I imagine I will see lots of creativity.
Great tutorial, appreciate your time and effort.
Thank you, Oliver! I'm working on a very fine piece and wasn't sure how to proceed. Your video has me thinking about all the possibilities as well as the care with which you carve.
Hi it is great to see some one to show how to use the tools . I am self taught but this will help me even more .In my study's for my degree . I am in Australia Thank you Rose
Your artwork is amazing can't wait to see the finished print.
Very useful tips on how to use the tools!
Thanks for sharing! Hope to see the print soon, and further tips.
@liam thompson This is made on Shina Plywood from McClain's
Your work is beautiful!! Thanks for putting this together! I found it quite useful! Namaste!
Awesome video - thanks for demonstrating. Great detail in your pieces. I'm jumping from pen and ink to Woodcut and this is really helpful
Very good teaching on how to use the tools. Thanks. Would like to see better picture of how you use both hands while carving.
1/4th of the way done?? it looks fantastic! thanks for the tips!! awesome video
very beautiful work
Gorgeous work! Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Nice work!!! Thanks for sharing info on the tools....so often videos are only about the technique! Looking forward to seeing the finished image!
ni
Wonderful, thankyou so much. What kind of wood are you using.😁🌼🌻🌷
The block you referred to as a "sharpening block" is actually for stropping. I am a seasoned woodcarver with more than 50 years of experience. I use ceramic sharpening stones for sharpening, and then I apply a green stropping agent called Zam to my stropping board. I also strop my knives, chisels and gouges often during a carving session to keep the edge polished. There are various types of stropping agents, but I have used Zam for many years, and it works marvelously to keep my tools polished nicely. Thank you, by the way, for sharing your beautiful work with us. Great piece!
Great overview. I really appreciate this intro and your work is really beautiful and inspiring.
Wonderful! I was wondering what the knives were for!
You are very symmetrical, with a good "radio" voice and nice hands. Perhaps those are tell tale signs of artistic ability? The carving looks terrific. Do you sell your work? Thank you so much for sharing; I found the information very useful. Bye now
Can you use Lino cutters on wood for detail ?
Beautiful work !!
Might be a good idea to rotate your gouges when pulling them back on the sharpening block so the entire edge is honed.
I am increasingly interested in this type of art making, and would be interested in your opinion on this -
What are the pros and cons of wood printmaking Vs Lino printmaking.I have only ever used Lino in the past.
Will you share what the wood you chose is? It’s from mclains? And the greenish stuff on the sharpening stone? Thanks for the explanations. I haven’t done wood cutting yet.
Can I do it with wax? Wonderful craftsmanship! Amazing!
Great demo video!
I have a set of traditional wood carving tools...gouges etc. brand Flexcut and Helvie, OCC.....would cutting into Linoleum hurt them? I sharpen them on a mounted leather strop.
If you wanted to transfer a pre-existing sketch onto the woodblock for printing would that be possible and how would you do it? Thanks for the great video.
Very nice work, brethren!
What a cool print!
great vid mate..i'm just starting so eating up all the good info
can you share where to buy these tools?
Excellent video. Thanks!
The best tutorial! You are very talented. Can you tell me what you used on the block to make it black?
Black Sumi ink
What's the black background on the wood? Is it a ground, paint or ink?
Thank you! Very helpful.
Please did you paint the wood black and if you did what paint please
Hey there. I painted it black with something called sumi ink
What kind of wood are you using in the video?
amazing! very helpful and useful. thanks! love your work
Like your designs how did you come up with that and what wood did you use?
Hi I'm just kinda starting to learn and teach myself how to do woodblock printing and I was wondering if you could figure out what the blade sharpener is called I'm kinda confused about it.
Yes it is called a honing block
Oliver Michael Robertson
What you use on your honing block is called buffing or polishing compound... it can be used on leather, mdf and cardboard to sharpen your tools... you can sharpen backwards, sharpenning sideways is usually when using a stone sharpener. It doesnt really matter which way as long as you arent digging your sharp edge into your sharpening surface
thanks
Are you drawing first(with what?) then brushing the sumi ink on top? Also, how will you be printing? Baren or press(if so, what kind)?
Thank you for the video! Beautiful linework!
Hello. I brush sumi ink on first, then draw with a mechanical pencil. I'm not sure how I'm going to print this yet
I would love to know if or when a print from this demo could be purchased. Awesome work.
Thank you. I should finish this within 4 months or so. Less if I make it a priority. I can send you a message once it is complete.
Oliver Michael Robertson Took printmaking in college. My instructor decided I should stick to pottery..... I am better at playing in the mud. Funds are limited but I very much would like to know when its done. Maybe a trade? Anyway let me know. www.cobalt-rain.com
justin
There are a lot of US brand gouges on amazon I've been looking at. What do you think of those? Can't you also just use a boxcutter blade for cutting out outlines? They are very sharp and can be replaced easily.
Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to make this video, it's been very helpful :)
Great video! What kind of wood were you using in your video?
i like that idea that he colour to black wood :D
Receive Greetings...!!!
Beautiful art and work...!!!
But what is the black colour?and is it on wood plate?
Regards,
Mahesh (Mumbai)
Hey great tutorial! I was told to sharpen my knife sideways, and I've heard of the pulling back method. I'm just wondering if ever sharpened your tools sideways and weather it's more effective to do the pulling thing.
I have never sharpened it sideways, so I am not sure about that.
What wood do you use
Do you have a suggestion of how to carve small perfectly round circles?
yeah thats is a hard one, i do a 2 cuts of 2 half circles, u gauge small, clockwise then counter clockwise, not easy though
I just ordered a Tama Tu from McClains...fingers crossed
Do you have the finished work to view? Very nice work.
+Scott Botfield I will finish this year. Had some other art projects take priority. Thanks
+Oliver Michael Robertson great thanks look forward to seeing the final piece
Stunning work dude! Whats the brand of the wooblock tools?
are u printing on fabrics or papers?
Hi Oliver, Did you ever get prints made? Still would like one.
Hi! Thanks for the video! Were did you buy the very small tools? are they from a japanese brand? They look great!
Could you please tell us where you bought those micro-sized gouges, they look quite handy
Excellent work by the way, I'm glad I found printmaking
I sharpen knives at the end of the sharpening with that green stuff, on leather.
Beautiful piece
I'm doing a complicated woodblock with a lot of mid tones...do you have any specific recommendations on creating different mid tones? Great video, thanks!
Thanks, depends on the subject matter. Dot matrix or cross hatching can give you mid tones. What are you making?
18 x 26 block of a Geisha playing a Shamisen. Thanks for your help!
its a diferent way made it , but it looks amazing . I thought you didnt you a sketch but i realize that you made your sketch with pencil right ? however its amazing i would like to see all your works and can you tell me how much you spend in all the materials please :D
Thx for video am from Thailand guys.....555
Where can I find a tutorial of how to draw like this?
Great work man .
Thank you! This is lovely
Great tutorial, thanks
what size tools do you find you use the most for U and V gouge?
I do a lot of detail work so 1mm or 2mm most of the time
I`m sure that is chrome oxide compound on your sharpening block (or chrome oxide itself if it looks like powder. But thats not good at all, I hope my russian goldsmith teacher is the last one to use chrome oxide to sharpen and polish tools)
Thank you for sharing, your artworks are amazing!
Did you paint it black before cutting?
+Evan Deitrich Yes i paint the board with black sumi ink
Oliver, I just came back cross your video, did you ever get this printed? is there a chance to get a print from it and what would it cost if so?
Justin
Thanks, I'll be making prints of this later this year
Please please keep me posted.
What paper do you use for printing?
utubecomment21 I have printed mainly on white Stonehenge printmaking paper, but there are a lot of good choices.
Thanks for your reply.
I had a go on linoleum today, first time since I left uni about 7 years ago, and it's way too soft for the detail that I want to achieve. I've got loads of ply knocking around, so I'm going to give it a go.
Hi Oliver, Do you print with a hand bare? Nice work....
rolf christophersen I used to, although I found over time that disposable latex gloves work well. That way you can just toss them and not have to wash ink off your hands between prints
Hi and thanks. Can I ask if u can get black surfaced lino in the US? In Oz there are grey and terracotta colured soft lino but no black as far as I know...this would help actually enormously to already see your contrast effect b4 inking..
also 2) could u please get the name of the resin-like chalk surface u apply to sharpening block? thanks again, it was v. informative
Great Stuff! Where did you get your tools? Love the detail.
This was great thanks!
What type of wood would you recommend?
I use shina plywood (softer, easier to carve) or cherry wood (harder and you get more precision). This is shina
Thank you very much on the info
This is really beautiful!
how to aply at t-shrt?
You need a white background because we cannot see the difference, u gauge etc.
Awesome!!
thank you very good tutorial
Hi!! Im taking printmaking currently I'm wondering what brand are you using for your wood carving tools and where did you get them?:p your vid is so helpful!!!
+ellalala0000 I buy from McClain's mostly
Would you recommend 1mm tools for lino too please ?
excellent info FIVE STARS :)
I was trying to see your work on your site but "This site can’t be reached www.olivermichaelrobertson.com’s server IP address could not be found.". I noticed the woodmarks are not deep . Does the cut just need to be surface deep?Because sometimes with my lino the ink goes into the cut, especially for wider cuts. Do you also use a dremel?
hi, thanks for the video…..do you use japanese tools, which or the companies…
also I'm from india so are alternative preferably natural woods to the "shina plywood"
Hello. Yes I use japanese tools from McClain's. Website: www.imcclains.com. As far as other woods you can carve on, there is cherry wood but it is a harder quality. I use cherry on occasion.
thanks …cheers
how much was your wood carving tools?
varies. the small high quality carving tools can cost $50 each. The other ones about 20
Oliver Michael Robertson thank you so much for your help and info on this
I got accepted to a printmaking scholar-ship... which is why I came here for advice. :3
I love this.
big help. thanks
Post more!!
cool bro
thanks for the video :D
Máster class to do a block