Playing With New Inks (New to Me) - Diamine

Today my order of four Diamine Inks came in and wanted to work this chart showing the colors and how they wash out with damp/wet brush.

What inspired me to try these inks was a dear friend of mine (Fay) told me about and shared a little sample she was working on using the Graphite color.  When I went to order the one color, I ended up with eight colors in my cart and had to apply some self discipline to cut that order, at least in half (for now.....ha ha).  Colors waiting in my wish list for my next order will be more in the line of the three primaries and a dark brown.

I love ink and wash and should do more of it.  I just don't always think to do so.  It presents a challenge in itself in controlling the bleed of ink when applying a wet brush.  Some inks wash out more so than others and what paper one uses will also make a difference in how the ink behaves.

Results of these four colors that came today tell me I could have a lot of fun with this brand of ink.  Pretty colors. 

Also taking this opportunity to play with dip pens and later my glass pen.

Worked in the HSFab01 sketchbook (old stock of Fabriano Artistico 140 lb coldpress)

November 2018 Monthly Challenge - Creepy Crawlies

This month's challenge between friends is illustrating creepy crawlies. 

We are to end up with six illustrations.  We can choose six different "models" or if less than six, we have to sketch in different positions to reach our six quota.

Each illustration has to be done in a different medium.

Worked in Stillman & Birn Beta - large sketchbook

Pen Pouch - Continuous Line

After working a couple of pages of blind and seeing continuous line exercises, I decided to try an actual watercolor sketch using the continuous line concept.  I did so after going back to Brenda Swenson's site and re-reading all posts related to the continuous line approach.  I've always liked how hers look.

From her posts I also decided to try using a Tombow marker pen to work the ink sketch to allow it to bleed into the watercolor wash as I painted.  Here are my results.

The one thing I need to work on is not feeling the need to go back filling in gaps that would be created by not going back over previous lines.  It's a natural tendency on my part to "complete" the line sketch.

The other area I need to work on is making sure as I move from one end to the other, not to leave out any areas that would cause me to have to re-trace my steps over previously laid ink lines.

Now this sketch I really enjoyed.

Worked on Saunders watercolor paper