French Artist Turns Woodcuts Into Intriguing Paintings

Woodcut printing technique dates back to ancient China. They were initially used for printing on textiles, but they later became a popular method for printing on paper and canvas. While woodcut prints are considered art, the wood blocks, which contain the image, are usually not. French artist Matt Roussel is now aiming to change that.

Roussel is a multidisciplinary artist who focused his career on the fields of woodcut printmaking and ceramics. However, in recent years he became better known for turning his woodcut blocks into intriguing paintings.

Roussel’s creative process includes drawing an image on a piece of wood and then using the wood-carving tool gouge to create a design. From there, he might use the woodcut block to make black and white prints on paper or take acrylic paints and transform it into a standalone work of art.

When it comes to the subjects of Roussel’s works, the artist enjoys finding inspiration in the world that surrounds us.

“Whether it’s mountains, clouds, plants, and animals, I like to mix all these elements to tell or symbolize stories,” he shared in a recent chat with Colossal. “Our world is beautiful, provided you know how to see it from this angle.”

Continue scrolling to check out more of his works.