So you’ve got the brush in one of your hands and a bottle with ink in another. What’s next? Ink-painting can be like entering an entirely new universe. It can be both exciting and nerve-racking. You don’t have to worry. We will guide you along this artistic The Tingology Art Course.
Let’s begin with supplies. Start off without breaking the bank. You can use rice paper, watercolor paper or other good paper. Consider your brushes to be magic wands. There’s also the ink. Colored inks are a great alternative to traditional black ink.
Alright, you’ve got your gear ready. Now what? Begin simple. Doodle some shapes and lines on the paper to get a sense of how it flows. Notice how the ink spreads and dries different depending on what amount of water is used? Here’s the fun part!
The control of your brushstrokes, a technique that artists swear by, is to practice. Imagine that each stroke has its own rhythm, flow and tempo. Create various textures: smooth gradients and rough edges. Or even splatters. The more experiments you do, the better your understanding of your medium will be.
Let’s briefly discuss technique. Sumi e is a Japanese traditional style that emphasizes simplicity and minimalism. Imagine bamboo stalks in a simple, minimalistic design or a koifish with a few strokes. Chinese calligraphy, which is also beautiful and artistic, combines characters with artistic flair.
It’s okay to bend rules, if they are not broken. Feel free if you want to change styles or come up with your own.
The happy accident! Sometimes, your hand slips and too much ink spills on the page. If you’re frustrated, don’t destroy your work. Instead, turn those mistakes into something unexpected and new.
In the spirit of mistakes, I will tell you about a first disaster piece–I am not kidding! A masterpiece. I was attempting to create a serene scene when my cat decided playtime was over and knocked down my ink bottles. At first, my carpet and I were both furious. After cleaning up and calming myself down, I saw how intriguing those random splotches were on paper. It turned out much better than what I planned.
From one artist to another, here’s a tip: keep a sketchbook or journal that you use exclusively for your experiments and practice pieces. This will grow into a treasure trove over time.
Also, don’t forget the color theory. The effects of mixing inks, whether they are delightful or disastrous, can be surprising.
Hey, what if you don’t feel inspired or stuck? Step out for a while; there are endless textures and patterns in nature that you can capture with your brush.
Just ask any contemporary artist. Art is subjective. You are unique, so don’t compare yourself to others or be discouraged by doubt.
Let’s wrap up this session of our virtual chat at the coffee table (I wish!) Before I leave, let me share this nugget with you: spontaneity and patience are both important! You need to find a balance between planning and spontaneity, since that is the place where real creativity can be found.
Grab the brush again, with renewed vigor, and dive into creating something beautiful today!
Happy painting