WHY LINE & WASH?
Previously we'd always call it pen and ink and watercolor. But for several reasons, it is now referred to as Line and Wash. First, because the "line" can be pen, pencil, watercolor pencil, etc. Second, because the "wash" can be watercolor, acrylic ink, watercolor pencil, stains, etc. I am focusing here on waterproof ink with watercolor washes.
Ink and watercolor are super compatible for almost any subject. It is especially nice for highly textured surfaces, such as trees, rocks, etc. It combines the best of both worlds--the soft, airiness of watercolor and the precision of a pen.
Using this photo from Facebook's Reference Photos for Artists by Kepi Hurt
I added some embellishments to make the picture look less "boxed in."
Transfer your sketch onto paper. If you are doing wet washes, watercolor paper, either hot or cold press, is best. Hot press is smooth and easier on the pens. Cold press gives texture and more broken lines.
If you are only planning one layer of color, you can use less expensive watercolor paper, such as Canson XL, or even Bristol board.
SIZE: Choose a size that suits your goal. If you go too big, you may become discouraged from all the line work. If too small, you may not be able to experiment with line and texture. For this project, I am choosing a 7 x 11 size.
Watercolor first? Or INK first?
Some purists insist on using pen first; but since I don't consider myself a purist, I just do what I feel like. I am going to teach this pen first just because I want people to familiarize themselves and get comfortable with the line work. At the end I've included a tutorial by Karen Rice that illustrates the watercolor done first.
WHAT KIND OF PEN DO I USE?
Generally speaking, any pen that is waterproof. However, one that is not waterproof can be used to create special effects.
Here is Mind of Watercolor's review on pens:
For my purposes, I intend to use the Micron pens, different sizes.
The line work may not have as much "character," but this is for a class, and I don't want to risk knocking over ink.
Pen Strokes
Here is a basic video on pen strokes. There are 7 basic strokes: hatching, cross hatching, stippling, scribbling, wavy lines, contour lines, and crisscross lines.
When inking, you don't want to combine too many of these techniques in one picture. You DO want to vary the width and lengths of lines to create the feeling you want to express.
The closer the lines (or dots) or the more they overlap, the darker value you create. Thin lines can indicate more distant objects. Broken lines can create soft effects.
Pen and ink basics drawing and painting Virtual Instructor
This video describes basic strokes and tips to be successful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoyFjDK6GII&list=PLW-5Pa-fZ-c9u9ENT0VKOYjKuhAxnr6h9&index=2
Painting the Fall Scene
First sketch your picture. You can do it in pencil first, then go over it with ink.
I use a very fine pen (.03 or .05) to outline the sketch first. Then gently erase any unwanted pencil lines.
I started with a .05 and .1 pen and began to ink in the darkest parts: the inside of the pad, the shadows on the rear pumpkin, dark areas. I used cross hatching in these very dark areas. Mostly I used contour lines on the pumpkins.
For the pot, I used contour lines to indicate the round area at the bottom. I keep the lines thin, parallel, and broken to indicate a smooth surface with reflection. They are also not as close together as the darker lines. One the spout, I used parallel hatching going in the direction of the metal. I also did the shadows around the handle. There is a tiny bit of stippling on the tip of the spout.
I continued mostly with contour lines around the pumpkins, using heavier marks in deep shadows. I used a very thin (.03) pen for shadow areas that are very light. Also used .03 on the leaves to indicate the direction of the veins. (not on all)
Finally ready for color. I washed the pumpkins with a bit of yellow and some green in some areas of the back pumpkin and stems.
I put a gray/blue wet in wet on the watering can, and used my favorite Transparent Pyrrol Orange on the pumpkins.
I added a little orange reflection on the can, and added some turquoise to the can's color. I colored in the leaves on the right and painted the handle of the can with purple .
then I decided the left side needed a lift, so I painted in the leaves, dried them, then inked afterward. The twiggy branches are painted with just that--a twiggy branch from my backyard, dipped in dark brown watercolor.
I have to say, I am really happy with the results. There's something relaxing about inking, and I love watching the values bring it to life. And then the magic of washing in color. Perfect.
BOOKS AND VIDEOS USED IN THIS SERIES
Below are some excellent instructors on using pen and Wash (or line and wash). My favorite, of course, is Mind of Watercolor. He has several inspiring YouTube's. He has done some Inktober projects in the past, so simply Google Mind of Watercolor Ink and Wash.
Anne Kerr - discusses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZavpmIXQ-rU
Karen Rice beginners - flowers--a beginning ink and watercolor tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONO17FVws3s
Karen Rice beginners WC and wash (includes a review of a travel palette)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5_LpK1BhFQ
Karen Rice does a loose street scene in WC first, then using pen for details
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThUPmia1DxA
The Art of Beatrix Potter by Mind of Watercolor 15 minutes--loved this one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbLlbe-qJVE
For books on line and wash, I am referring often to Claudia Nice's books, Creating Textures in Pen and Ink in Watercolor and Painting with Watercolor, Pen, and Ink. The first 100 pages of each book are nearly identical, but the second half of the books cover different subjects. Painting with Watercolor, Pen, and Ink includes some patterns in the lessons..
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