Art terms explained
In this glossary we’ve explained some common art terms, and plan to add more terms and more detail. Use the Website feedback page to suggest additional terms to be explained.
woodcut
also known as woodblock print, this is a form of relief printing. An image is drawn directly onto the surface of a block of wood, which is cut parallel to the grain rather than the end grain of a piece of wood (as in wood engraving). The parts that are to be left white (ie unprinted) are cut away, leaving the areas to be printed standing in relief. These raised surfaces are inked and then printed, either in a press or by hand using a tool called a baren.
