Original Ink Paintings Landscape and Floral

JC Strong Gallery

The combination of sumi ink on watercolor paper is an exciting medium. The "happy accidents" and many shades of black and grey that are possible is wonderful. The ink picks up every nuance of an artist's brush strokes.

Most of the time it's good but when I drink to many cups of coffee, you can see it. I guess, that's one of the unique qualities of original art.

Updates, Links and Etsy News:
I found the online Little Frog Gallery of Charles Chu a former Yale University Professor. His artwork is a great example of Chinese ink paintings and a master of Chinese Brush art work.

Today between 6:00 & 9:00 pm eastern time the Finding Fine Art Team is having a treasury blitz in order to give fine art a visual voice/boost on Etsy... So if you're looking for fine art just go to http://www.etsy.com/ and use the findingfineart tag in your regular search or curated treasury section. You'll find some incredible art in these treasuries and the support will be much appreciated.

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.

Original Painting Abstract Ink Landscape

The inspiration for this work is the warm or should I say hot past few days in California. People have been walking around San Clemente in the evening. Early evening walks are fun you have the opportunity to meet the neighbors and cool off and see nature in a different light...

Shop Talk:
This is the time of the month I like to give you updates on what has happened on Etsy and with other artists and artisans. I curated art treasury's this month and was lucky to be selected in some lovely treasury's.

An Etsy Treasury is a completion of items that highlights the work of artists and artisans. Sometimes they are held together by a subject, theme or just fun. Here are just a few.

Art Treasury's:
Life Expressions I by JC Strong Gallery
Life Expressions II by JC Strong Gallery

Eclectic Treasury of Art and Fashion:
Platinum and Peach by Elegant Casual Jewelry
Autumn Harvest by Gallery Juana
Sex in the City by Triple J Pendants

Fun Treasury's:
Groovin With the Oldies by Backyard Photos
Fall Colors by the 50's Crowd by Plantlady
Blank Canvas Opened Mind by ArtdeJoie

I also belong to an Etsy Group called the AWE (Art Walk Etsy) Team on the first friday of the month they promote some fun and beautiful work on-line in their Etsy Shops.

Last but not least. I'd like to thank all my "followers" for taking the time to come along for the ride. I respect your input and fun comments.

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.

ACEO Original Ink Mini Zen Painting

This ACEO (2 1/2" X 3 1/2")is another respectful nod to the Asian brush art forms with a California twist.... I love the organic qualities of ink and paper. The little gold like flecks give this mini painting texture and warmth.

The surface of this painting is "rice paper" inorder to protect the paper and bring out the ink it's mounted with a cellulose adhesive. (It's like wallpaper paste.) The tricky part is not destroying the paper. See available art in my Etsy Shop.

Original Ink Painting versus Jazz

6/24/10
Turned the news off and listening to some jazz and blues. Then turned to abstract ink painting with calligraphic strokes. It’s my organic way of expressing emotion.

Chinese Ink with its ability to flow with short, long, thick and slim strokes has calmness. Whether the artwork appears calming or "jazzy" it will be up to the viewer. I like it when a viewer makes their own personal interpretations. Hmm, music and painting are like auditory and visual poetry.

View and learn more about this painting and others in my new Etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop/jcstrong