This practical course (delivered online) will focus entirely on working with ink. You’ll be introduced to a wide range of fluid, inky applications and techniques including how to work with resists and diluents, additions, removals, the effects of different surfaces, wet on wet, and working with pen and ink. We’ll also explore how to make a range of more inventive, playful marks in ink using some unexpected and less traditional drawing tools. There is a focus on open-ended investigation and experimentation and, along the way, you’ll be shown the work of both 20th Century and contemporary artists who make use of and celebrate this innovative and exciting media. 

 

This short course is suitable for both absolute beginners and those with some experience who want to learn more about this highly versatile product. By the end of six sessions each student will have created a small collection of inky works on paper. 

*Note: while we encourage all students to attend at the times specified, the online platform does allow for some flexibility when necessary.

 

Course requirements:

Reliable desktop computer/ smartphone/ laptop

Internet connection/wireless

Webcam/Microphone

Zoom account (can use free version)

 

Materials:

• A bottle of black indian ink (30ml minimum)

• A small selection of coloured inks min. 2 @ 30ml 

• Dip pen with 2-3 variations of nib OR 2-3 x good quality permanent ink writing pens in a variety of line widths eg Staedtler, Sharpies, Faber Castell Pitt artist pens

• Brushes: as a minimum 1x small and 1x med. sized round pointed brush, 1x med. flat brush (5-10mm)

• A4 or A3 pad drawing paper

• A4 or A5 pad of quality 250-300gsm+ watercolour or wet strength paper (min.15 sheets.)

• Low tack lilac coloured masking tape

• Small shallow dish or palette

• Visual diary or notebook

• Everyday household items: scissors, handy towel, newspaper, skewers and/or chopsticks, drinking straw/s, twigs, feather/s, an old toothbrush, salt (rock and/or table), a white wax crayon or a candle, PVA glue or a gluestick, cotton buds, a sponge, a fork (bamboo or plastic work best).

 

Optional: masking fluid, additional paintbrushes in a variety of widths, shapes and sizes, watercolour or acrylic paints, fixative or hairspray, interesting paper stocks for collage, additional makeshift items that can be used as drawing tools eg a scrubbing brush, bits of cane, bits of plant, a comb, etc, additional watercolour paper pads for extra practice, additional varied paper stocks of your own choice.

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