Caroline was unavailable to demonstrate for us this week, but fortunately Amanda Davies came along to show us how to draw with ‘drawing’ ink as opposed to writing ink, the latter used more for calligraphy. It’s was am extremely informative demonstration.
Pens, different drawing pens for drawing ink, these have a split in the nib and are pointed as opposed to calligraphy pens.
Paper, any paper can be used, even a brown paper bag but the smoother the paper the the further the ink will flow and glide over the surface, Amanda likened to dancing with the pen. If you are planning on using water colour paints a heavier paper is needed, however the ink is permanent when dry, (ink line and wash) so other mediums can be used and water colour pencils work well. Amanda has also used coffee dregs to draw with, to add more interest.
Note, always check on a sample page how the ink is going to react on your paper of choice, see how far it flows and thickness of line.
Drawing the Portobello Mushroom,
Colour inks – Burnt Sienna, Nut brown,Black and Peat brown.
Using water colour paper, a pencil can be used if your nor feeling confident, however Amanda drew with her pen, she dipped the pen in the burnt sienna ink making sure the well was filled, tested on similar paper to see what line was going to be made, and drew the mushroom outline, try to relax an following the shape.
Always wipe the nib after each use to keep it clean and ensure a true colour.
With a pipette Amanda used one of the ink lids to mix her inks and a brush to add a wash of colour to the mushroom. The ink dries much quicker than water colour, but can be blotted to lighten if needed. Use darker inks to create the lines inside the mushroom carefully leaving lighter areas. Keep looking and adjusting the depth of colour. Add a soft wash for the lower shadows, using a brush, and a lighter soft wash for a background which in this case was a brown paper bag.
As with a water colour painting start light and get darker, so use black to give interest to some of the inner lines of the mushroom. A water colour pencil is useful at this stage to fill in colour, as the ink is dry and permanent, water can be used to loosen the pencil paint with no fear of smudging.
This is a really interesting way of working and well worth a try.
