“The Waldrum Prints” by Robert Blanchard
The reduction linoleum cut is entirely different (from the aquatints) in that each color is allowed to dry before the next color is printed. If some adjustment needs to be made on the plates of the aquatint etchings, it is possible. There is no such possibility with the linocuts. The linoleum plate is progressively destroyed after each color is printed because the artist must then cut the plate of the last color printed in order to print the succeeding color.
Reduction linocut is a dangerous method for all artists because one slip of the knife can destroy the artist’s design, but it works beautifully for Waldrum (his knife has yet to slip). It follows his painting method closely; it leaves edges (a significant signature in all his artwork). It requires confidence, alertness, and endurance because each cut of the linoleum is final. We will not see the final result until the last color is laid on the print.