Name: Relief Print - Trout Lily
SKU: 2477
Availability: InStock

Relief Print – Trout Lily

Handmade linocut print

Printed using Caligo oil-based relief ink

This reduction print celebrates the intricate beauty of the trout lily (Erythronium americanum), a woodland gem that captivated my artistic vision. Each meticulously carved layer reveals another aspect of this spring ephemeral’s delicate character, from its distinctive mottled leaves to its graceful nodding blooms.

Created using the ‘reduction method,’ this technique involves carving a single lino block in stages to build up layers of color. Here 7 layers have been created.

A very limited edition range

$30.00 – $35.00

Paper

Clear

Reduction Print

The trout lily derives its common name from the brown speckled pattern on its leaves, reminiscent of a brook trout’s markings. These wildflowers emerge early in deciduous forests, taking advantage of sunlight before the tree canopy develops. Their elegant yellow flowers, with six recurved petals and prominent stamens, create a striking contrast against the forest floor in early spring.

Identifying trout lily is relatively straightforward once you know what to look for: two lance-shaped leaves with characteristic brown mottling, and a single stem bearing one pendulous yellow flower. Younger plants produce only a single leaf and no flower until they mature enough to bloom.

For foragers, trout lily offers a mild peppery flavor that brings a delightful wild element to spring salads. The fresh young leaves and bulbs are edible, though harvesting should be done sparingly to protect native populations.

All my artwork is handmade and original with a mix of limited and open edition linocut prints plus digitally printed greeting cards. The prints are designed, made, pressed and pulled in my studio in the Laurentides, Canada.

Please note: Because of its handmade nature there may be tiny variations to the picture- be this colour, evenness of ink or other small differences.