Just a Little Soot and Water

This is a print of one of my ink brush painting landscapes. I have a strong regard for calligraphers and Chinese and Japanese brush painting techniques. So when I’m in a peaceful mood I bring out my ink brushes and I wonder into that beautiful art form. 

Personally I use liquid modern day sumi ink but I’m reminded that in ancient times master calligraphers utilized soot and animal glue. It's amazing what past and current artists could do with soot, measured strokes, and a flick of the wrist.  

See some additional contemporary ink favorites from other artists.... 

Original Ink Paintings by JC Strong

It's been a busy week and working on these ink paintings was cathartic. It brings me back to the basics of making marks on paper.

I'm a big fan of traditional Chinese and Japanese brush painting on "rice" paper, created with a ground ink stick. My preference is liquid sumi ink and working on 140 lb watercolor paper.

These paintings are a combination of memory and enjoying a day at the park between rainy days in California.

Latin Jazz Music, Past Loves, and Art

Around Valentine’s Day, I think of past and present loved ones. I started thinking of my dad and how he loved Latin Jazz and salsa music. So I spent yesterday listening to some of his favorites. I went on You Tube and played some great music by famous Cuban singer Celia Cruz. (My father's taste ran from "big band music" to jazz.)

The music was energetic and sultry. I spent the day dancing, painting and drawing with ink. Great combination ink and jazz. This was one of the paintings, I think of it as a dancing still life. The entire process was fun and a little bit of a celebration.

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