Not an exciting picture and certainly not one of my best, but I had the urge to have another go at painting with Ink washes. I just love the way the ink separates on the paper and I find trying to 'control' that in a meaningful way quite interesting. I chose the subject primarily because of it's mixture of straight hard edges, curvy mid-tones and light fluffy shapes, all of which combine to put the "ink applicator" (me!!) through it's paces.
The object of the session was to 'play with ink' and I'm annoyed that I didn't pay more attention to the initial drawing stage. The straight edges to the hexagonal towers could have been more intelligently handled and some of my verticals are far from it .... vertical. And that lack of care initially has spoiled what might otherwise have been an acceptable painting. Still, the 'play with ink' part of the session worked and I really enjoyed the process even though I don't think I had quite as much 'control' over the ink as I would have liked.
Wow! I love watersoluble inks, and you achieved some amazing colours and textures with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy. I've found that not all inks separate in this way so it's very much trial and error. Always lots to learn. ;-)
DeleteAs I see it, posting it 'warts and all' does you great credit: you don't have to prove you can draw brilliantly- we all know it already. The importance is showing the potential of ink washes to people like me, who have never used them, is significant. Thanks for this. Have a good weekend
ReplyDeleteThank you John, you're very kind. Ever since deciding to show beginners that we don't have to produce a masterpiece to enjoy our hobby, "warts and all" has been part of the philosophy. Besides, if I didn't post the warts the blog would be empty. LOL. I greatly appreciate your comment, thank you. ;-)
DeleteI love it, John. Have you ever tried the RotRing ArtPen. It is a great tool and I like the way the ink flows. It's also terrific at quick gesture sketches and then using the water brush. Brian Ryder has a great dvd on his watercolors on location, that's how I learned about the rotring artPen. Take care my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joan. Yes, I have a RotRing ArtPen and I also use it with a water brush. It's great fun and one of my favourite ways to sketch. Thank you for visiting, and take care.
DeleteSince I don't do watercolor I'm a bit confused as to how you do washes...however,I love what you did here with the colors.. I would like to be perched on your shoulders so I can see you work....lol. Your drawings are always amazing, my friend!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're very kind Hilda, thank you. I only add a few drops of ink to some water and then paint in the regular way. The main difference is that ink washes are permanent and don't blend. Adding more ink to the wet wash on the paper is the only way. Some inks 'separate' in water and that gives the array of tones, all totally uncontrollable. LOL.
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