Woodcuts are a form of printmaking that involves carving an image into a block of wood. The artist removes the areas of wood that are not part of the image, leaving the raised parts to be inked and pressed onto paper. This technique allows for bold, graphic designs and is often used for illustrations in books and art prints. Historically, woodcuts were popular in Europe during the Renaissance and were used to produce images for religious texts and other publications. The process is relatively simple, making it accessible for artists and craftsmen, and it has influenced various art movements over the centuries.