Watercolor wash or ink: Which should you use first?

When using watercolor and ink, which should be used first? Well that depends! Most urban sketchers draw in ink first, and that's totally fine, but I show you some examples that might help change your mind - making sketching a little easier on yourself :)
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Arches Watercolor Blocks bit.ly/40zz50o
(Chrysler building 3.9" x 9.8", Foxglove 5.9" x 11.8")
Fountain Pens:
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• Visconti Mirage fountain pen amzn.to/38iuLee
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Tumuarta 3.5 x 5.5 sketchbook amzn.to/40t4b9M
Micron Pens
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[@Blick_Art]

We love the emphasis on doing art, rather than making a finished product here! We get what you mean about confidence and line drawing! People new to art are sometimes too hesitant, but "tight knuckle" drawing interferes with fluidity and excludes a whole range of mark making. Love the fountain pen, too- more and more artists are adopting this great instrument for sketching!

[@SandyAllnock1]

tight knuckles is a great description of what happens! :)

[@lindathaxton1994]

The Chrysler building is my favorite NY structure! Beautiful

[@lindathaxton1994]

NO COFFEE! I love watercolor &=especially watercolor & ink. Born in California & have lived here all my 80 years. I started learning sketching & watercolor at age 77. Do art every day - watercolor is magic! Thank you for sharing your skills so I can continue learning 🙏

[@SandyAllnock1]

That is awesome!

[@patriciamoar8440]

Alberta. Well aged. Trying many types of watercolor and sketching. Painting 10 months. Fave is line and wash. Trying gouache now.

[@lindathaxton1994]

I have done both & Yes inking after is freeing & I find I am happier with the results!

[@efvp1969]

For us newbies to watercolor, remember that if you use a fine liner or ink make sure it’s waterproof. I found out the hard way after purchasing a beautiful set by Kuretake, which I love for sketching but not for watercolors, they bleed terribly. Thanks for the video very helpful ❤

[@magicallymalicious01]

I do a little ink first and then finish with more detail after the watercolor. And I guess you could say I'm an urban sketcher but I'm from the south and there's a whole lot of abandoned old plantation homes and historical places so I sketch them. There's just something about decay that I think can be haunting and beautiful.

[@ashblack4351]

Your art sounds amazing. I too find those sort of places hauntingly beautiful. I'm gonna try that. Thanks

[@judywilliams1863]

Just found your channel and want to know more about watercolor art. I’m 79years young and have always painted in oils. Hope you can teach an old dog new tricks.

[@SandyAllnock1]

We’re never too old to learn! My mom got her art degree at 70 🥰🥰🥰

[@jamesjacocks6221]

Very nice! I generally sketch very lightly in pencil and then overdraw with pen being sure to put some interest in the lines. Finally, I apply wash. I do focus on not producing perfection, but rather interesting imperfection and a little mystery. I sometimes put down a wash and then ink, but that is for really loose studies.

[@dorothyminor7581]

Your explanation as you go along is just perfect! Thank you!

[@ginamcdonald7854]

I like the look of watercolor first!

[@dorothyminor7581]

I tend to do the ink first. To be honest had not thought about it the other way! Now I’m on my way to my art area to give it a go! Thanks Sandy! You da best!

[@Therealgirlinthedesert]

Hello from Avondale, AZ! 🌵 I used to live in Bothell, WA. I miss it there so much. I love the idea of painting first then pen. You did a fantastic job explaining this. I can’t wait to go try this as a beginner water colorist. Thank you!

[@noreenfontana3213]

I love my LFL #1965! Yes, it was a very early registered library many years ago! I have enjoyed watching my neighbors fill it with books, take one or more, and return them if they feel like it. I have enjoyed using up my watercolor paper scraps by turning them into bookmarks. I may do a little art now. Stop and visit if you're ever in Minneapolis. I love to read!

[@AaronStoll]

Great video, I'm new at watercolor painting and I really admire the talent of so many great artists that I am discovering here.

[@SandyAllnock1]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sonyadietz1168]

I just found your channel and I love it. I am a Western Washingtonian as well and love to create with pen and watercolor.

[@SandyAllnock1]

Welcome!!

[@Michael-lq5di]

Sandy Nice to find your channel I am in New Mexico but lived on the Oregon coast for many years and miss the Northwest love your posts. Michael Campbell

[@SandyAllnock1]

Thanks for subbing!

[@dandfawesome3611]

Stylistically I appreciate the foxglove ‘colouring in the lines’ because I love botanical illustration. Glad I found your channel!

[@SandyAllnock1]

I’m glad you’re here!

[@susanreinersuedahl]

Thank you for the explanation

[@SandyAllnock1]

You are welcome!

[@Ladycrafty6]

Hello from Georgia! I love making cards and want to practice more watercolors! I love your work and tutorials!❤

[@davidm3569]

Really enjoyed this......feast for the eyes. The Chrysler Building was exceptional and always reminds me of the scene in Predator 2 with the creature standing on it. 👍😁

[@SandyAllnock1]

Lol…I’ve never tried it with a creature…. 🤣

[@davidm3569]

@@SandyAllnock1 Have you ever watched that film? It's a classic scene........👍😀

[@SandyAllnock1]

@@davidm3569 no I’m not into scary flicks 😱

[@cherylj.harris4967]

Wash and ink is my favorite. Thank you for sharing the difference!

[@karenzemko6518]

I really like the idea of w/c first and "fixing" with a pen over it. I can definitely see the looseness in proceeding in that order. I need to find some time to play. Been helping out with my friend with Parkinson's a lot lately, so my play time is limited. TFS

[@ronlyons7455]

Excellent and so warmly taught:). I came onto KZbin just to find expert know-how on how i might delineate some suggestive WC pieces that i have laying around. And you provided it! Thanks

[@SandyAllnock1]

Glad it was helpful! 😍😍😍

[@Rockymtnbloom]

Thanks for the examples Sandy! I feel honored you answered my question about the order of inking. I decided to spend time developing both methods of inking. I am enjoying the PowellsWood class (what a beautiful location!) Painting first does seem to produce more free and flowing results and seems more enjoyable. I'm always trying to "loosen up" so it is good to explore an option with ink and watercolor that keeps the end result loose and arty. Perhaps the order ink is applied depends on the subject and how exact you want the final product to be.

[@SandyAllnock1]

The subject can definitely influence it. But having the option yo go either way really helps!

[@NaamaYM]

thank you, I'm new to watercolor and i wondered about that ink/watercolor.

[@jtpaar1732]

Great video and chat, as always, Sandy. I very much envy your skill in drawing and how easily it seems you get the job done. I can draw if I put my mind to it, but I've just never had the patience for drawing and instead jumped right into the paint! Unfortunately, I'm paying the price now because I have many awesome (I think so, anyway lol) ideas that I'm unable to execute on paper because I just don't know how to draw properly. I learn by watching so I like to watch you draw. I would love to see you do a video with 'drawing tips' - the 'tricks of the trade' maybe. I know, I know...keep practicing you say, but I don't have all day haha! Take care.

[@SandyAllnock1]

👍🏻

[@darrenbirchall7826]

Hello from the Uk , fantastic tutorial, thank you, I’m new to watercolour and just found your channel so I’m a new subscriber

[@SandyAllnock1]

Welcome!❤️

[@cynthiakelly9621]

that was very helpful thank you

[@SandyAllnock1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnatdeal]

Thank you thank you! I've been pondering wash & ink for a while, your examples and explanation were inspiring!

[@at2515]

Hi Sandy, I'm Audrina from Texas (OWH, remember?). I was in the process of trying to learn to watercolor but my husband had a massive stroke. (Prayers are very welcomed.) I'm his full time caregiver so no time for playing anymore but I love to watch and listen to you. Perhaps one day he'll improve enough that I can get back to it. He loves to stamp and color with pencils. I would love a demo using Karin Markers if you're able to do that. I had just bought a set. Thanks so much for sharing/teaching your talent. I've loved you for a long time. Audrina T.

[@SandyAllnock1]

Hi Audrina!!! I’m so sorry to hear about your husband, I’ll be praying for sure. Might he like to watercolor? You could work on that together ❤️ I don’t have Karin markers or I’d be happy to demo them for ya.

[@at2515]

@@SandyAllnock1 He hasn't been interested in watercolor but he does love sketching. He only has use of one hand for now. I got him a variety of color pencils and he loves Carin D'ache Luminance, so I just stamp what he wants and he enjoys coloring, I help hold the paper still if he needs it, then I make a card with it. So he really enjoys that. ❤️

[@meltemashley1808]

Hi Sandy , I’m in Los Angeles and interested in abstract art…I’m a very beginner and much to learn…thank you for sharing⭐️

[@rgrdesigns]

Thank you for the side by side comparisons. I tend to prefer the expressive look of the WC first. In my practice, I tend toward being more like the ink first. Earlier this week I purposely did WC first, but then inked very stiffly. Argh! More practice coming soon. 😊

[@SandyAllnock1]

It takes a lot to get there! Saturday we’ll do more flowers so hopefully that’ll give you something to practice 👍🏻

[@marydodson5265]

Beautiful work!

[@bimmermom]

That was great …. Good question and great explanation.. thanks Sandy

[@phylliswendt4130]

Great lesson!

[@haleymcfarlane930]

Hi, I’m from Ontario, Canada. I’m a tight watercolourist. I’d like to hear/see any tips on loosening up to paint some loose splashy watercolours. Thank you.

[@lisamont8182]

Hello Sandy Is there a class of the Chrysler building? It’s just stunning

[@SandyAllnock1]

Sorry, no there isn't...

[@lisamont8182]

@@SandyAllnock1 Thank you I may just have to take the market street class😁

[@SandyAllnock1]

@@lisamont8182 it’s a beloved one by students❤️

[@ZealousZest]

FAB U LOUS 👍

[@knackability7098]

Hey Sandy, I'm in SW Washington and I don't drink coffee either! We should start a club. 😂😂😆 I often get a kick out of the confused faces I encounter when I tell someone here that I don't drink coffee.

[@SandyAllnock1]

There’s two of us! I have so many Starbucks cards….to be used on caramel apple spice🤣

[@knackability7098]

@@SandyAllnock1 I have so many cards too! 😂🤣

[@elizabetheliuk9373]

I drink coffee …..cold. I’m a coloured pencil artist who is trying to keen watercolour and gouache. I have w/c pencils ink markers but have not experimented yet. But I will.

[@lindas5412]

Watercolor first!

[@amandasymon4363]

Watercolour first 👌👍 No question 👊

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Ha, first live🎉

[@kbaxterpackwood]

I'm allergic to coffee, so understand!

[@christinelazarides8916]

Which fountain pen did you use in your drawing? Love the loose drawing and the painting.

[@SandyAllnock1]

Visconti Mirage for some, TWSBI Eco for others. TWSBI is way more affordable.

[@TheGalxz]

❤

[@lynnedalrymple]

hi I am Lynne from australia and I only drink tea (cuppa)

[@mssmiley5691]

Drawing with ink first doesn’t mean you have to paint carefully in the lines. You can do loose, quick applications of paint, leaving white areas and painting outside the lines. That will also give a very loose effect, similar to painting first then finishing with your ink drawing.

[@SandyAllnock1]

Yes but for some reason I usually feel obliged to meet up with the lines…

[@imageimah145]

I love your art work, I am trying to do something like that, I am not a proffecional artist, but I love to draw and I got a question, when UR workin witn alcohol markers can you put water marker on top and color pencils for details? I really Will appreciate your answer. Thanks.

[@SandyAllnock1]

I’d say try it and see; it may depend a lot on having a paper that can deal with all the mediums. Give it a go!🥰

[@Coco-ne5ix]

Just found your channel. This was a great demonstration of line and wash. I want to loosen up so I want to try your watercolor first technique. I’d love to see more videos on this loose approach. Also, what about loose with no ink lines? How would that work?

[@SandyAllnock1]

Check out my pen and ink playlist-all kinds of playtime is captured there❤️

[@Coco-ne5ix]

@@SandyAllnock1 Thanks I plan to purchase a class from your list. Meanwhile, I just watched your shirt on needlepoint brushes. What size DiVinci Kolinsky do you recommend? They are pricy so I want to be sure to get the most useful one if I order.

[@ginashin]

수채화는 나의 로망❤

[@SandyAllnock1]

❤️❤️❤️

[@silkeschumann7261]

When you do the ink work first, why don't you just help yourself staying loose by choosing a bigger brush, so you can't stay in the line?

[@SandyAllnock1]

When there’s already lines there, it just feels like I should stay within them so I think even with a bigger brush I would still get fussy.

[@silkeschumann7261]

@@SandyAllnock1 You might, but you could stil set the goal of not using the edges if a flatbrush that is wider than the width of the bell flower blossom, at least in the first wash and see how the experiment goes. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ or use a big old round brush that doesn't come to a point anymore :)

[@SandyAllnock1]

@@silkeschumann7261 oh, I know that’s when I can, and should do, but when I sit down to sketch, that part of my brain that wants to fill in all the spaces just kicks in. Plus, water coloring first allows me to play with the shapes, and then, if I wanna clean them up, I can do it with the pen. If it’s ink on the paper first, I don’t have any wiggle room.

[@silkeschumann7261]

@@SandyAllnock1 I watch way to many artists on youTube which is why I feel confident to say you don't allow yourself rather than the strict can and can't do. But I stop pushing here. You do you. ;)

[@Princess_karen]

I don’t drink coffee either never have and I am 67

[@kathecronin6411]

I use a journal for drawing. I use words and scenes and abstracts. When I finish, I want to create a background. Not too detailed, but a little color here and there. Any suggestions for a medium and application??? Thank you so much.....

[@SandyAllnock1]

Hmm…I’m weird in that I’d do an abstract background to journal on top of…here’s a bunch of ideas in one video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3bRoahmadd8d9E

[@charlenejordan6224]

Ok this is my stupid question. What is the doobliedoo and where do I find it on KZbin and on Instagram?

[@SandyAllnock1]

Lol! It’s the description box under the video. It usually only shows the first line or two so you click on “show more.” On Instagram, etc. I don’t think I use the term doobliedo, but if I did, it would be the caption for the post. 🥰

[@pamelasmith4594]

What kind of pen do you use that takes waterproof ink?I have lots of drawing pens but can’t find waterproof ink cartridges. Please help. THANKYOU for your expertise!…. Now I see that with your pen you used a filler not a cartridge. I would still like to know what kind of drawing fountain pen takes Indian ink without clogging.

[@SandyAllnock1]

I don't use indian ink, that clogs up everything. But I do use Platinum Carbon Black.

[@pamelasmith4594]

@@SandyAllnock1 That’s very helpful. I didn’t know there was such a thing. Is it waterproof? I will try and find Platinum Carbon black ink.

[@SandyAllnock1]

@@pamelasmith4594 it should be linked in the supplies and the description I’ll check

[@meltemashley1808]

Hi again, I don’t think that I’m good at reality drawing, sketching, what I need to do…???

[@SandyAllnock1]

It’s all about practice. Get a sketchbook and start drawing things around you…every day just a few minutes will make a difference. Learn to really look at things-what are the shapes, the angles, the values. Over time you’ll see improvement for sure!

[@elizabetheliuk9373]

Oh yes I forgot. I’ve got four dogs and seven kitties.