Woodcuts are relief prints. The design is drawn on the surface of a wooden block or plank. The areas that are to be blank are cut away; leaving raised the design that is to be printed. Ink is then rolled or daubed over the raised area. A sheet of paper is placed on top of the block and pressed against it, either in a press or by hand. This pressure transfers the ink to the paper. Since the print is the mirror image of the design on the block, the image must be conceived in reverse. This part is done.
To continue the exercise I have to carve a contra image on a new block that will be used to add a second colour.