From time to time I like to change my tools a bit and I wanted to try out how I can use my preferred fountain pen ink with a brush. This ink is waterproof, so you can work several layers on top of each other even on drawing paper.
What better subjects are there than different bird species? This sketch is one of a tufted duck in flight, although you can’t see the little crest of the bird in this case (I assume aerodynamics dictate the head shape in flight).
I like this way of working in a hybrid approach – drawing linework first, and then adding painted layers of wash with the brush. The ink can be diluted to a very thin wash or applied directly. The big difference to watercolor here is that what you put down stays down – no corrections or listing of paint layers. Then again you don’t reactivate the layers beneath even when adding a very watery wash on top. This ink is waterproof. So it’s a bit different to work with and I certainly thought about where I put paint more in advance.
Here’s the video:
Sketching a duck in ink (video)
I used Hahnemühle Nostalgie paper (190gsm) and Rohrer & Klingner Sketch Ink (an umber color). The lines are done with a Lamy Safari fountain pen and the brushes I use a synthetic rounds (I keep brushes for inking separate from my watercolor brushes).
I had a lot of fun doing this and ended up creating an entire series of bird sketches with this technique.
Nice work, Julia. This summer I learned how to make inks from natural dyes and local natural resources and one that is quite stable is iron gall ink. It can be kept dark or watered down as you have done. Making inks for sketching and writing is quite rewarding, there is a range of shades possible. Perhaps you have tried it, also!
Selfmade inks are a really interesting topic. I’ve made walnut ink once that I really liked (a nice subtle brown), and pomegranate ink, which is based on a similar chemical principle as iron gall ink. I loved the inks for calligraphy and sketching, unfortunately they are corrosive in the long run (due to the acid).
Hello,
I am Mahua from India. I have been following your posts initially on YouTube and now on your blog.
The variety and interest you bring out in your posts are amazing, they are unique to say the least. Though the drawings or paintings are not finished pieces of artwork in the traditional sense, they convey the satisfaction that you feel through them; be it in the landscapes or simple nature portraits in your sketchbooks.
Thank you very much for sharing.
Warm Regards,
Mahua
Thank you so much Mahua, I really appreciate your kind words! It makes me very happy to hear that I can bring across a bit of what is so important to me about the things that I sketch. 🙂
It’s been a long hard year or so and I haven’t made any art of my own, but I have loved seeing yours. I follow every post, just wanted you to know. This duck is lovely! I might get out my sketchbook later… you inspire me.
It has been a hard year indeed. Thank you for following along Heather, and I hope you can rekindle your creativity a bit. 🙂
Love today’s blog. I was feeling a bit blah this morning. Thought I’d do some art, but didn’t know what to do. Ta-da…opened up your email and found your duck…my inspiration for today. I am now feeling energized and happy, as well as anxious to get started on this drawing project. Thank you.
I’m happy to hear my email had this effect Lin, and I hope for many more creative days ahead for you. 🙂
Beautiful butterflies!!
They are supposed to bring Good luck
I wonder if ducks are a good luck charm anywhere! 🙂