Carve and Print a Multi-Block Relief Portrait by Sarah Matthews

All levels | 38 min 34 sec

Carve and Print a Multi-Block Relief Portrait
Overview00:45
Materials01:14
Transfer your image06:48
Carve the key block 18:34
Test print and cut block05:13
Pull your final print06:00

Taught by Sarah Matthews

This class will be available to view on September 17, 2025.
Turn a photograph of someone you admire into a vibrant, multi-colored work of art. In this inspiring class, printmaker and artist Sarah Matthews shows you how to create a multi-block relief portrait, using a photo as the foundation for your design. You'll learn how to transfer your image onto a carving block, carve fine details, and then cut the block into multiple sections to print in a variety of colors—like assembling a puzzle with depth and dimension. Sarah features American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou in her portrait, offering a meaningful example of how you can celebrate someone who inspires you.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Carving material, Sarah is using a 7" x 9" Blick Readycut block
Carving tools, U-gouge and V-gouge in various sizes
8" x 10" Bristol paper
Versafine Clair stamping ink, Sarah is using CYMK (cyan, yellow, magenta, black)
Cutting mat
Utility knife or X-Acto knife
Pencil, soft lead is best
Sharpie
Ruler
Masking tape
Wipes or rags to clean stamp between ink colors
Optional: Baren or bone folder for burnishing