When planning a multi-color wood engraving, I first consider the four-color separation process, which involves the three primary colors and black. This provides a basic framework to work with. Each image, however, has its own particular demands, and the challenge is to remain flexible, while keeping the number of colors to a minimum.

Extensive proofing of the blocks, prior to printing them, is important. To gain a clear idea of how the image will develop, they must be proofed in various colors and printing sequences. It is not entirely predictable, however, and if a better solution presents itself in the course of printing, it is usually adopted. The main advantage of reduction cutting is that it simplifies and guarantees accurate registration, as the same block is used for successive colors, simply by cutting away unwanted areas. The main disadvantage is that the block is cannibalized by successive cutting, and if a later reprint is desired, the "reduction-cut" images no longer exist.

This is the key block. It contains the basic information required for registration, and serves as the "master" for the other colors. It is possible to make cutting adjustments to a secondary block when one can see how it matches up with the key block. This is most easily done when the key block is printed first.

I had hoped to use one press run for the red. I could not, however, get the subtlety I wanted in the hands while maintaining a dark enough red for the table-top, so two press runs became necessary. This one is exclusively for the hands, as the rest of the image is covered by the red run to follow.

This color was mixed with the addition of opaque white. The color had to be opaque enough to mute the detail areas in the hands, yet not so opaque as to allow the reflection of the block and highlights of the leather to visually separate themselves from the surface of the pad.

The block which had been printed in pink has been cut further, and printed in red. This procedure, called reduction cutting, allows for two or more colors to be printed from the same block. It assures exact registration, provided the block has the same placement in the press for each color, and the paper is handled in the same manner. This renders the block useless for reprinting, as the area which has been cut away for the second color cannot be replaced.

The key block was cut further, and printed in gray. The print is now complete.