Why Block Prints Look Different From Digital Art Prints

Key Takeaways

• Block prints are carved and printed by hand, creating texture and variation
• Digital art prints are mechanically reproduced with consistent results
• Hand pressure and carving decisions give block prints depth and warmth
• Subtle imperfections are a defining feature of handmade art
• Craig Mitchell’s block prints reflect this process-driven approach to landscape art

If you’ve ever compared a handmade block print to a digital art print, you’ve probably noticed something immediately: they don’t feel the same. Even when the subject matter is similar, block prints tend to feel warmer, more dimensional, and more alive—while digital prints often appear cleaner, flatter, and more uniform.

That difference isn’t accidental. It comes down to how each type of print is made, the materials involved, and the role of the artist’s hand in the final image. For landscape artist Craig Mitchell, those differences are central to why he continues to carve and print each piece by hand—despite the speed and convenience of digital reproduction.

What Is a Block Print?

A block print is a type of relief print made by carving an image into a block of wood or linoleum. The raised areas of the block are inked, while the carved-away areas remain uninked. Paper is then pressed onto the block, transferring the image through direct contact.

This process requires artists to think in reverse and commit fully to each mark. Once a line is carved away, it can’t be put back.

Craig Mitchell uses this traditional approach to translate landscapes of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe into simplified, intentional forms. Each carving decision—what to remove, what to leave—shapes the final image long before ink ever touches paper.

Because every print is pulled by hand, no two impressions are exactly alike. That subtle variation is part of what makes hand-carved block prints feel personal and grounded.

How Digital Art Prints Are Made

Digital art prints are created from a digital file, which may originate as a photograph, digital illustration, or scanned artwork. Once finalized, the image is printed using an inkjet or laser printer, producing consistent results across unlimited copies.

Digital prints excel at precision. Colors are uniform, edges are perfectly crisp, and every print looks identical to the last.

But because the image is transferred mechanically—without physical pressure from a carved surface—the final result often lacks the texture and depth that come from handmade processes.

The Role of Hand Carving and Pressure

One of the most important differences between block and digital prints is pressure.

In block printing, pressure is applied manually or with a press, forcing paper into the inked surface of the carved block. This creates subtle embossing and variation where the paper meets carved edges and the surface of the block.

Craig Mitchell often describes this stage as where the print “comes alive.” Slight shifts in pressure can change how ink settles, how edges appear, and how the landscape ultimately reads on paper.

These small, human variations are impossible to replicate digitally—and they’re a big reason block prints feel more tactile, dimensional, and alive when viewed in person. Up close, you may notice carved lines, ink texture, and the impression of the block itself; from farther away, those same details visually blend, giving the landscape depth, movement, and a sense of atmosphere.

Why Texture and Variation Matter in Handmade Prints

Texture isn’t just a visual detail; it’s part of the viewing experience. In a block print, ink may appear thicker in some areas, lighter in others. Paper may show faint impressions from the block itself.

Rather than being defects, these variations signal that the artwork was made slowly and intentionally by hand. For many collectors, that sense of process and presence is what creates a deeper emotional connection to the piece.

Color, Ink, and Subtle Imperfections

Block prints are typically built layer by layer, with each color applied separately. Alignment, pressure, and ink density can shift slightly with each pass.

In Craig Mitchell’s Nevada and Lake Tahoe block prints, these variations contribute to a restrained, natural color palette—one that mirrors the quiet shifts of light and atmosphere found in the landscapes he draws from.

Digital prints, by contrast, prioritize color consistency and exact replication. While this can be visually striking, it often results in a flatter, more uniform surface.

Which Type of Print Is Right for Your Space?

Choosing between a block print and a digital art print depends on how you want a space to feel.

A block print may be right for you if you:

• Appreciate craftsmanship and traditional techniques
• Want artwork with warmth, texture, and depth
• Value limited editions and handmade processes
• Prefer subtle variation over perfect uniformity

A digital art print may suit you if you:

• Want bold, ultra-crisp imagery
• Prefer exact consistency across prints
• Need specific sizes or formats
• Are decorating with convenience in mind

Neither approach is inherently better—but they create very different relationships between the viewer, the artwork, and the space it inhabits.

FAQs: Block Prints vs. Digital Art Prints

Are Craig Mitchell’s block prints original art?
Yes. Each print is pulled by hand from Craig Mitchell’s original carved blocks. While produced in limited editions, every print is considered an original work.

Why do block prints feel more textured in person?
Because paper is physically pressed into an inked, carved surface, creating subtle embossing and variation that digital printing doesn’t produce.

Do handmade block prints last as long as digital prints?
When printed with archival inks and papers and properly framed, block prints can last for decades.

Why do block prints often come in limited editions?
The physical blocks wear over time, and artists intentionally limit editions to preserve the integrity and quality of the work.

Are block prints a good fit for modern homes?
Yes. Their clean lines, organic textures, and restrained color palettes pair especially well with modern, minimalist, and nature-inspired interiors.