Acrylic Ink Play

On my way to the studio today, I was listening to an episode of RadioLab on NPR entitled "Me, Myself and Muse".  It was pretty interesting.  I really liked Elizabeth Gilbert's idea of externalizing inspiration, talking to it, making friends with it, arguing with it, giving in to it.  It was a good thing for me to hear today.  I was originally planning on just stopping by real quick to pick up something I needed for a class assignment, but after listening to this piece, I decided to stay at the studio and see what Inspiration had in store for me.

I sat down with black Sumi ink and water and started playing.  I enjoyed watching the ink as it spread out from the marks I made on the wet paper. After playing for awhile, I decided I wanted to play with color, so I grabbed my acrylic inks and started making my marks with them.  You can see the result of my playing, below.  It was such a meditative experience, so peaceful and relaxing.  I definitely need to do this more.  If I do, maybe Inspiration will decide to join me :)

Acrylic Inks and Water on Mixed Media Paper

Sumi Ink and Brush Drawing

For my last Fundamentals of Drawing class, we were free to choose what we wanted to do using techniques we had learned in class.  My first Sumi ink and brush drawing was not stellar and my instructor, let me know, in a kind way, that it wasn't very "interesting", i.e., I didn't let the ink flow.  So, rather than attempt the self-portrait again, I thought I'd give ink and brush drawing another go.  I drew what apparently is called a "brain" coral (I didn't know what it was called till my instructor said that was what it was...to which I was relieved, since it meant that my rendering was recognized as the thing it was intended to portray :)  Below, is the result.

Coral - Sumi Ink and Brush Wash

 

Photo of "Brain" Coral

I was not very pleased with my results, but it's not too bad for a 2nd drawing.  The instructor indicated that I had demonstrated more mastery of the skill with this drawing.  So, I got credit for improvement. 

I do enjoy the brush and ink drawing since it is more expressive to me. I'd like to learn more about it.  The quick 15 minute demo we had in class was not enough for me to learn and remember the various applications of the medium and technique.  Maybe I can find some good tutorials online.