Anyone here use inks?

HQvhs

Hi,

I paint and draw occasionally with ink using brushes and dip pens.
They're mainly sketches but I would like to try out bigger pieces so I'm just wondering does anyone out there have any tips for using these mediums?

Here are a few of my pieces below, the last one is one I did with brush.
Any opinions would be great!

Thanks!

RobertaHQ

Hi,

I don't use inks so cannot provide any tips.

I just wanted to say that your artwork is really good, you have such a talent and best of luck with it

Roberta

ztoical

I do alot of ink work. what types of dip pen do you use? I use deleter nibs and they are fantastic for inking. What brand of ink do you use? Sumi ink is great for doing washes and higgins black magic ink is best for strong blacks - even better if you leave the bottle open for a couple of hours as the ink will get thicker and really black.

HQvhs

Thanks for the replies.
I use Hunt drawing nibs and Gillot Drawing and mapping nibs. They're all fairly narrow and not really suitable for anything bigger than a3. I use Daler Rowney black acrylic and sometimes indian ink if it's lying around. Where can I get that Higgins ink?
Do you use colours as well? I've experimented with a few different Winsor Newton colour inks.

ztoical

HQvhs wrote: »

Thanks for the replies.
I use Hunt drawing nibs and Gillot Drawing and mapping nibs. They're all fairly narrow and not really suitable for anything bigger than a3. I use Daler Rowney black acrylic and sometimes indian ink if it's lying around. Where can I get that Higgins ink?
Do you use colours as well? I've experimented with a few different Winsor Newton colour inks.

If your looking for really good nibs check akadot for deleter g-pens - such a huge difference from other nibs. They sell really good ink as well but only in tiny bottles. I order most of my inks from Dick Blick.

I have done colour washes but haven't for awhile now.

alanbb

That's some nice work!

I don't draw half as much as I used to, but I still use the Gillot nibs myself,
and mainly Windsor and Newton inks. Although, I have some other brands of black india such as FW Acrylics.
My brushes are all Windsor and Newton sable, no better brush for ink IMHO! Some of the ones I have are over 20 years old. Sizes 000 up to 5

Only tip I can think of, if you're trying to water down black ink for washes, make sure to use distilled water, as tap water makes the pigment clump.

alanbb

One other thing, are you drawing on paper or bristol board?

I always use board with a pressed, shiny surface for ink work, I find the texture better. You can also scrape away ink when it has dried to give some interesting effects.

HQvhs

Thanks for all the tips!
yah i do use bristol board but its very hard to find any sizes bigger than a3, any idea where i could find a2 or a1?

I use distilled water but i've been using Aquafine Daler Rowney and Cotman Winsor Newton watercolour brushes.

alanbb

HQvhs wrote: »

Thanks for all the tips!
yah i do use bristol board but its very hard to find any sizes bigger than a3, any idea where i could find a2 or a1?

I use distilled water but i've been using Aquafine Daler Rowney and Cotman Winsor Newton watercolour brushes.

The only place I ever shopped was O'Sullivan Graphics on Camden Street, I would be suprised if they don't carry it.

BTW, the Aquafine and Cotmn are good brushes, but I suggest you try pure sable for ink work, you won't look back!