On sketch paper...
On bristol...
On parchment...
Conclusions:
- India ink that's been sitting around since freshman year of college (that's 2004) is a little thick.
- I still have no freaking clue which paper to use. Parchment makes some interesting washes but I guess I have to rule it out because it curls and wrinkles so much. Maybe bristol is the winner because I have 3 full pads of it and never ever ever use it ever?
- I need to do this more often.
- Nibs and I are still not friends. I wanted to do a brush test and a pen test on each paper, but abandoned that plan after NOTHING CAME OUT of my dip pen. I'm guessing the ink was too thick, but this is not the first time this has happened to me; I've tried it many times with different inks and papers in the course of my art education, and I've only had success once. I just used the same nib (with brown Higgins ink on parchment) to write a lengthy valentine and it came out shockingly well. But every time I try to draw a picture, I get nothing. Nib users, I would really appreciate some advice.
8 comments:
too be honest, i've never had much luck with nibs- without searching out the rare, expensive ones of course. I have secret method I use, which i won't reveal in public for fear of being mocked lol. I would also say if u have so much bristol, forego the purchase of more watercolor and just do alot of practice on that. Just suggestions, though. The studies look great.
I love the girl and car drawing Carly! Great to see all the variations of line you have in these experiments. I'm not a nib expert at all but I've found it does help if the ink is nice a fluid consistency.
Carly,
The drawing with the person in plaid with glasses is absolutely gorgeous! I love the car and beard ones as well :) keep up the good work
Thanks guys! I definitely need to do this more.
The girl and the car is my favorite too.
Ink is harder to work with than people think. When I use it, I try and paint with it like watercolor. But I don't know how useful that is to you, since I don't know how often you paint with watercolor.
Have you tried using ink on watercolor paper or board?
Yeah I do it the same way, with my watercolor brushes and everything. I use watercolor and gouache more than anything else. The hardest thing for me to get used to is about 5 seconds after you put the ink down you can't mess with it anymore (unless it's not waterproof). I'll try watercolor paper next time.
I've never used nibs, but Jamie Douglas uses them everyday. If you really wanted to make them work, you might be able to get some answers from him.
the second and third sketches are amazing. you're good at that loose style! :) I'd totally go with the bristol, because i love smooth paper. if you're not going too heavy with the water, i'm also in love with Borden & Riley bleedproof paper for pens.
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