inktober 2016

Every October, artists all over the world take on the InkToberdrawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month. Jake Parker created InkTober in 2009 as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. you can check out his work by clicking on the link below.

The Inktober Initiative - Mr Jake Parker

mrjakeparker.com/inktober

This October I  decided to work with walnut ink,which has a lovely warm tone.   I was asked to do a

 series of Sepia tone drawings for a commission and walnut ink fit the bill for that as well.  

"Charlie"

walnut ink

9" x 6"

"Klaus" 1,2, &3

walnut ink

all 9" x 6"

"Daisy"

walnut ink

5" x  4"

'"Clover"

walnut ink in sketchbook

"Anny"

walnut ink in sketchbook

So far this October I have stayed on the subject of dogs but I have squeezed in a portrait or two as well.  ( Last September I did only portraits, of my daughter, using walnut ink.)

Whatever the subject, it is always good to get back to basics, and polish those drawing skills!

and now for something new...

6" x 6"

walnut ink

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of going to the Worcester Art Museum to see their annual "Flora in Winter" Flower show.  What a nice change of scenery from all the snow around here!  The show takes it's name from one of the museums's sculptures of the same title.    I absolutley loved the floral arrangments inspired by the artwork (more to come on that later...) by I am always drawn to the busts.  When I used to teach children's art classes at the museum, I would always bring them into the galleries to see these beautiful sculptures.  Sometimes we would draw from them and  I always loved seeing the children's interpretations!  This was done from a photograph of a bust in the European Gallery.  I have it from a few differnent angels and so I think I'll do a few more of him.  I somehow managed to make him look a little older than he should be.  But, I am happy that I managed to get the reflected light in there. 

Day 20

"Reunited"

9" x 12"

walnut ink wash

I stole this picture from my nephew's Facebook post about his two dogs, reunited after a week apart.  I don't know if you can see the joy on the little white terrier's face but MacKenzie is thrilled to be back with her big great dane pal, Syndey!

Day 19

6" x 6"

walnut ink wash

Still playing with the walnut ink...

Day 18 - Walnut ink

"Boomer"

9" x 12"

walnut ink

Today I decided to play around with my walnut ink and do an ink wash drawing/painting.  I get hung up on color sometime and thought it would be good to just worry about value for a bit. 

 This was done with walnut ink that I got in Cambridge about 20 years ago.  Still as good as ever!  I love the color of this as it goes on (wet) and so it seems a bit flat when it dries, but still a rich brown.

(wet ink)