Stick and Ink are becoming quite the thing , I am now seeing many other artist using this technique in their online postings .
I first learned about stick and ink while studying the artwork of Edward Wesson an English painter 1910-1983. His work was introduced to me by UK artist
Steve Hall . I don't believe in coincidences so I am always grateful when God leads me to one thing which then leads to another and another. I now have many books about Edward Wesson in my book collection and study them often . His watercolors are fresh and transparent; and many of his works were in stick and ink with a watercolor wash.
A simple old fashioned idea right ? a stick , who would have thought something so simple could be so much fun . It really has a way of freeing you to experiment and have fun with your drawings and color washes . It is not for the realist as you don't have the control over the stick and the amount of ink on it but if you want to have a fun afternoon head out and find some sticks , sharpen them with a razor blade or knife and dip them into permanent ink and go for it .
Make sure your ink is really dry before adding your watercolor . I like to use DeAtramentis archive Ink
I always blot my paper with a paper towel before adding color just to make sure it is dry as if it is wet , it will surely makes a mess.
Draw quickly as you will never get exact lines depending how you cut your stick . I just love the changing thicknesses of the lines as well as the texture you get sketching this way .
I took some of the paintings that I have done in the past and did 6"x8" sketches this week after the flowers bit the dust.
I hope you have enjoyed seeing these and feel inspired to clean up your yard and get a stick collection of your own going.
If you don't know where to start , buy yourself a bouquet of flowers
or use your old paintings
photos
or sketches from your sketchbook
Have Fun
Till next time " Keep your brush wet and your sketchbook by your side "
