Final answer:
White or light areas in relief prints are created by carving deeper into the block, removing the parts not intended to hold ink, which results in strong contrasts and graphic images in the final print. The answer is option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
White or light areas are created in relief prints by carving deeper into the block. This technique involves removing parts of the block or matrix that are not meant to be inked, thus leaving the original surface level to be rolled up with ink. When paper is pressed onto the inked surface and run through a press, these carved-away areas do not pick up the ink, resulting in white or light areas on the final print.
Relief printing techniques such as woodcuts or linocuts are known for their strong contrasts and less detailed yet graphic images, much like the Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Different tools are used by carvers to achieve certain effects or levels of relief, including bas-relief, where the image is carved in a 'low relief' to create a three-dimensional look.