LESSON #9 - Pen and Ink Washes

[Karen]

Lovely expression on the giraffe and very resourceful painting!

[Denise808]

That looks really well done Mihaela! The giraffe looks regal and happy 

[Mihaela]

Thanks all. It is my fault, really, I didn't pay attention in class sort of speak. Now I hear I could've used a very sof pencil instead of ink ...and I have plenty of those! I know it needs more colour, I didn't do it because I alreay put the ink on. Maybe next time

[Val]

Thanks all. It is my fault, really, I didn't pay attention in class sort of speak. Now I hear I could've used a very sof pencil instead of ink

I did not know that.    I found some india ink, have some nibs but no holder.  However, I do have the ruling pen. OK, another one to try. I will remember the pencil in case I'm no good with the dip! 

[njnjgirl]

Mihaela, your giraffe is great.  I really like how you shaded him.  BTW,  something caught my eye next to the giraffe in your background.  About a 1/4 of the way down, on the right hand side, there are two eyes, a nose, mouth and a neck.  Looks like a little alien... :2funny   It kind of jumped out at me, isn't that funny.   

[Happychappy]

Njnjgirl, that "alien" in Mihaela's painting jumped out at me too and just below it is a hand clasping something dark.  Strange!!  Mihaela, your giraffe is BEAUTIFUL.       As I haven't done any pen/watercolour lessons what is the pen called and where does one purchase them?  I went into our local art store and they don't carry anything like that.  Guess, I will have to go over to the States to get it.  I remember as a child we used to have "dipping" pens which we had to dip into Indian ink and then write ... is that the same kind of thing?  Sorry about all the questions but I am a complete newbie to the whole painting world.  Just love it and can't seem to say that enough times!!!         Patricia

[Mihaela]

OMG, Njnjgirl, you are right!! I haven't seen it! Too funny... Patricia, the pen I used is no good for this lesson. A dipping pen with waterproof ink is what Dennis used. I guess there are normal pens that are waterproof, I just don't have one. Otherwise I would have done a proper job if I would've had one, but then... no aliens in my painting ) Silver lining in everything, heh?)

[Val]

Patricia, I have a bottle of India Ink, states on the label that it is waterproof. A dipping pen would be excellent. I have only practiced a bit back in Grenada. I used a sharpened piece of bamboo. Actually worked quite well. Then I found my old ruling pen which I use for masking. Going to give that a go. I used to use that with India Ink back in school. 

[dennis]

That face was checking you out that you painted the giraffe correctly  Well done 

[Red1]

I wanted to try to do a pen and wash so I tried the Giraffe.  Here is my finished version.  I still have problems doing background washes.  They are never smooth.  Any suggestions? 

Details

[Maryna]

  love it!

[njnjgirl]

Your giraffe is very good.  The background looks great to me.  I don't think you can get a much better result with watercolor, although I am by no means an expert.    

[Lillian]

Your giraffe is looking proud and pretty, Red 1.  Nice job!   

No problem with the background there.   

[Val]

   Hi Red1. Your giraffe is excellent, and the background wash has beautiful texture. Looks like a sky with light clouds floating by. Super job 

[C.Bodine]

Red1, there is nothing wrong with the background not being smooth.  Like Val said, it gives the impression of clouds. You have done very well on the giraffe!  The markings you have made have created a hair-like affect.  He looks like he is happily chewing something from that branch!