Ink Original Painting and ACEO Black and White

It poured down rain today. I'm not complaining Southern California weather is pretty moderate compared to other states. I stayed indoors and adjusted some ink paintings and researched my next work. Today all my ink work is with Chinese ink. It has a rich organic quality that fits my style.

The ink is almost applied like watercolor with a brush instead of a pen. The surface of the tree painting is double shuen paper and the rose painting is on watercolor paper. Each paper has different absorption rates. The tree/landscape is a good example of how delicate paper causes the ink to spread in an organic way. It's a matter of patience and trial and error.

This is a little tip for beginning ink painters. The amount of water you have in your brush is important. Less water offers those strong black strokes. More water provides a variety of greys.

I use "shop" towels mechanic's have to clean up their work. The towels are very absorbent. Stroke your brush on the surface before putting it into the ink. It assist's the painter in the battle to have the correct amount of water to ink. Till next time stay dry and comfortable.

Shop Updates:
The best part of membership in the artist community is being able to highlight other peoples work. The following are art selections curated by fellow artists. Just click and you'll find a variety of creative works:

Expressive Mix Treasury by ArtedeJoie highlights contemporary artists and artisans and their art work.

Be Patient Someone Will Find You by Masibill nice collection of art and accessories.

So Talented by EvelynMcCPeters is a an artistic overview of the Visual Artist Street Team.

Fall Favorites by Schemata a lush collection of fall color, art, jewelry and fashion.

Original Watercolor and Ink Painting by JC Strong

Most of my flower painting inspirations come from my walks around the neighborhood. I take my camera and just photograph my favorites . . . The idea for the painting will stay with me and then be written/sketched in my journal. Many times a flower will remind me of a person or a current theme. Some flowers are exuberant others are sad but they are usually always expressive . . .

I was asked about the tools and materials I use in my work. I’ll discuss my tool’s today. My favorite tools are an“Orchid Bamboo” medium and small brush. They are a great utility brush for my ink work. The point makes great calligraphy strokes and holds the ink like a mini well. Usually for the body of the flowers I’ll use soft round water color brushes. Good brushes will hold their point over a long time if they are pampered and help with the painting process.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox said "A weed is but an unloved flower." Well I hope all our flowers are loved, have a great weekend.