This term I have been working with my class using ink and ink washes, with a 'boat' subject. To begin I demonstrated the basic Figure 8 method of drawing boats and we drew a series if imaginary crafts using this method. For this technique I like to use a blue pencil to create the initial 'figure 8' and then sketch over the top of this using a 4B graphite.
Imaginary skiffs using the Figure 8 method
Students then chose their own boat image from personal references and first drew it in graphite as an accurate tonal rendering. Here is my partially completed drawing:
Inconplete graphite rendering of a small row boat. 300gsm Fabriano hot press paper and graphite pencils
Next we began to experiment with various ink techniques starting with test sheets to understand how to dilute and use washes in inks. My tests were done with Windsor Newton India Ink on hot press paper. It was important to learn how to create smooth and even washes, with miniumal 'cauliflowers'. Tricky to get right and mastering the technique of walking the bead of ink can be diffucult.
I used a measured dilution method with distilled water and the WN ink. With an eyedropper I dripped 20 drops of water and then one drop of ink for the first tint. Progressively the tints were: 20 to 1, 20 to 5, 20 to 10, 20 to 15, 20 to 20, solid black.
First tests were a bit blobby.
Although I mucked up the first strip and had to repeat it, these tests were better.
Students were also encouraged to try out their fineliner and dip pens to learn how to create various textures using hatching, crosshatching and stippling. I use a work sheet I found on the internet for samples. Worksheet
Finally were were ready to start our boat drawing ink! Using the same boat created in graphite, this image is transferred to a sheet of 300gsm hot press paper. Some decisions had to be made by each student; to add ink tints or not? To add the tints first, or after fineliner pens (taking care to test if the fineliners were waterproof). Which fineliner pens to use and how to use them.
I choose to begin with ink wash and then add fineliner pens. Again I used the WN india ink and once the wash was dry I drew with Stadtler Pigment Liner 308, these pens are permanent and waterproof on paper when dry, good metal tips and a nice range of sizes.
Personally, I am not too happy with my result. My first attempt at washes was miserable and I began again. Here is the completed second attempt and I am still not very happy with it. But now I am thinking I might just try drawing the boat and features first, THEN adding a ink wash - maybe try a sepia ink rather than the india ink. Not sure, but it is fun to experiment.
Practice drawng #2, more or less complete. Although I like the background and the wall, I think that the boat is too fussy and tight. I think I will try again.
Practice drawing #3, washes only. Meh. It got a bit out of hand and the lake area bled too much. I rushed it and I'm still not happy. So I will try again.
When I have done my next attempt I will show that, happy or not! Moral of this lesson? It's just a piecd of paper... and practice, practice, and even more practice!
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