Ink Exploration

Ink Exploration - student project

 

I have always been very scared to draw with pen and ink. I also feel that I am not skilled enough to use it. But after some deliberation, I decided that if I waited to be "skilled" enough I might wait a really long time. I also struggle with my lines feeling unconfident. I use a lot of scratchy, timid lines in my drawings, so the bold lines of the brush and ink is something to get used to! 

I took my time in watching the videos and it was fun to hunt for some of the supplies I needed. I have a calligraphy set from Singapore and I never used it before. I am not sure if those brushes are suitable to use, but I did try them out. The hairs are so wonderfully soft. They are called Houzhou brushes, I found out after doing some research and very difficult to control. For me at least.

 

Ink Exploration - image 1 - student project

 

Ink Exploration - image 2 - student project

 

 

Ink Exploration - image 3 - student project

 

These next 3 I did when I felt inspired to use pen and ink but still only had ballpoint pen, a fineliner and a marker. The bottom pic is a small sketch of my pup Coco which I had to include:) The girl on the horse is a copy of a work from legendary Frank Frazetta. I have a real soft spot for comic book art and Frazetta is one of the best, I think.

Ink Exploration - image 4 - student projectInk Exploration - image 5 - student projectInk Exploration - image 6 - student project

 

I really love to draw portraits. This one was drawn when I bought some Sakura micron fineliners. 

Ink Exploration - image 7 - student project

 

I uploaded two versions of this bottom one, it is A4 sized. I felt I made every mistake imaginable, unsuitable paper, actually accidentally grabbing a non waterproof fineliner and only finding out after painting a wash over, etc, but I enjoyed this one the most. It was my first ever time to create a drawing that involves the use of a paint brush and it was magical! I felt like I forgot myself during the process and time went by without me noticing. I still feel I ruined it but it was my first ever time using these techniques, or trying to, so I have realistic expectations.

Ink Exploration - image 8 - student project

 

Ink Exploration - image 9 - student project

 

Thank you so much for this class, Anna!

 

Just posting a new pic of a drawing I made in which I realized brush pens are awesome :) I actually didn't have any when I first tried the class... 

 

Ink Exploration - image 10 - student project