Editing Linocut (section)

==Technique==
[[File:Preparing a Linocut Design.jpg|thumb|Using a handheld gouger to cut a design into linoleum for a linocut print]]
[[File:Printing Using a Linocut  Design.jpg|thumb|Linocut printing; using a design cut into linoleum to make a print on paper]]
Since the material being carved has no [[Wood grain|directional grain]] and does not tend to split, it is easier to obtain certain artistic effects with lino than with most woods, although the resultant prints lack the often angular grainy character of woodcuts. Lino is generally much easier to cut than wood, especially when heated, but the pressure of the printing process degrades the plate faster and it is difficult to create larger works due to the material's lack of rigidity.

Due to ease of use, linocut is widely used in schools to introduce children to the art of printmaking, using it to complete many tasks in the art lesson rather than going straight for the pencil and eraser. Similarly, non-professional artists often cut lino rather than wood for printing. Nevertheless, in the contemporary art world the linocut is an established professional print medium, because of its extensive use by the artists of the [[Expressionism|Expressionist art movement]], Grosvenor School, followed by Pablo Picasso and [[Henri Matisse]].