Portrait #650
This image reminds me of why I love painting with Sumi ink,. The soft grays are also quite consistent and flat so I get nice layers of tone. This scan is a bit pinker than it ought to be but there is undoubtedly a warmth to sumi I don't find in india ink. I had a good time making textures with this portrait, both in the drawing and in the painting of the coat.
I have been working in sumi for a couple of months now, working to get more and more color out of the single tone. It is also driving me to be more adventuresome with my brush strokes and the density of my medium.
I am a big fan of Ben Katchor. I'm not sure if he uses sumi but his example pushes me to experiment more and more with ink painting.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Dear Danny: Forgive my ignorance, but how exactly do you paint with sumi or india ink? I have always loved the way it makes an ink drawing come to life, but I haven't figured out how you guys do it yet.
Sincerely, Sarah
P.s.- the texture on the jacket looks awesome.
Posted by: Sarah Morejohn | January 26, 2007 06:17 PM
Sarah, it's quite easy to paint with ink (any type). You simply take a brush, ink and if you want different tones, you add water, quantities depending on what you want (more water=paler gray). To make layers, it works as watercolor; you wait until it's dries and you can add more color.
Posted by: Gabrielle | January 27, 2007 12:41 PM
Your monochromatic rendering is great! Do you use solid (stick) or liquid Sumi? Have you used both? What is your preference? What are the pros and cons?
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Danny Replies:
I use bottled, liquid sumi and pour it into a litttle stone dish (optional). I've read about the solid stick but never tried it.
Danny
Posted by: Edwin | January 29, 2007 08:49 AM
Fantastic rendering. I love the way you indicate some of the texture with the pen and other texture with brush strokes. Repetition with variation.
Posted by: Doris Mouton | January 31, 2007 09:53 AM
Hope it was a good reading for you and good times for Patti and Jack at McNally Robinson last night! Let us know how the experience was for you.
Posted by: Bradley | February 2, 2007 03:27 PM
very nice tonal quality and sensitive portrait, although I sense it's copied from a photo? Forgive me if I'm mistaken.
Posted by: ellis nadler | February 6, 2007 06:47 AM