Question about technique

[bif]

I've seen some very cool paintings on IG. They're landscape paintings that combine watercolor and pen & ink. So do you do the watercolor part first and then add the pen & ink afterwards? I'd like to give it a try.

[brush]

1. I'd say yes, as watercolor on top of ink will dilute/fuzz...

the ink lines.

[bif]

2. So you really have to plan ahead

[Bayard]

3. Make sure the watercolor is really dry,

Before applying ink on top.

[bif]

4. Found this tutorial

Where the artist applies the ink first.

[lunatica]

5. Both ways are good

It’s a matter of preference, of course, so why don’t you try experimenting with these methods. Then pick the way you prefer to do it after that. You could do something that you’ve already done like painting a flower, then outlining it with ink, and then maybe add a little more paint where you want a more intense color. I’d love to see how they turn out!

Or try drawing something that’s reflective like ceramic or glass that have definite shapes you can render, then adding the paint to show the reflected objects.

I always love your experiments of what you find interesting.

[bif]

6. Good advice!

Last edited Mon May 2, 2022, 03:21 PM - Edit history (1)

Looks like I'll have to make a trek to the art store. Oh darn!

[lunatica]

7. I love going to the art stores

It’s like being in a candy store for a kid!

[electric_blue68]

13. You are soooo right...

Hold back the "drooling"! 😄

[electric_blue68]

12. Oh, such a hardship! 😁😉

[Trailrider1951]

8. I prefer to do the drawing first in pencil, outline the lines with indelible ink, and then add

The watercolor. The important part is make sure you are using indelible (permanent, not water soluble) ink. I've used Higgins ink in the past:

https://www.dickblick.com/products/higgins-waterproof-black-ink/?clickTracking=true&wmcp=pla&wmcid=items&wmckw=21115-2003&gclid=CjwKCAjwgr6TBhAGEiwA3aVuId3dFCeKDWb785MZhhecsIEWKSn_3IpPhE4rvBvgBlTT04L6--XcJBoCgN4QAvD_BwE

Hope this helps!

[bif]

9. What about ink pens?

As opposed to the ones you have to fill with ink.

[Trailrider1951]

10. They're great, as long as the ink is permanent.

I bought a set of these for my granddaughter, who is into fashion illustration:

https://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-newton-fineliner/

and she loves them.

Also, sharpies extra fine work:

https://www.dickblick.com/products/sharpie-ultra-fine-point-marker/

[bif]

11. A painter on IG suggested I use mainly transparent colors

Any opinions on this?

[electric_blue68]

14. 🤔 I used to use light pencil, then use black permanent ink over it...

after that add the watercolors.

(a very long time ago)