Sketching With Water Soluble Ink. How & What to Use - InkTober

So I decided to fit in one last InkTober video to discuss and demonstrate my process for line and wash with water soluble ink pens. Not all ink pens work well for this so we'll take a look at my favorites.
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[@karenturner-cf7vq]

It was useful to hear about the different ink pens. I have drawn and painted with an ink pen. And you have answered some of my questions. Thankyou

[@gorway7]

An ink I am very fond of is "Black Parker Quink" when water is added, it turns into an amazing variation of bronzes, greens and purples. Its like having 3 colours in one and you can control it to some extent as you dilute it. It seems to disperse from solid black to purple, water it out more and you get the bronzes, dilute it more and finally the greens... its weird stuff!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Interesting. Thanks for the input.

[@clarewillison9379]

Ooh, I found an old bottle the other day. I’m going to explore... thanks for the tip👍🏼

[@dtaverner834]

Great for portraits

[@followyourbrush]

Found you “Back to the Future” 😂 Useful indeed!

[@karenturner-cf7vq]

I like this picture. You can do so much with it. Inspiration for me.

[@johnchapin9270]

Another thing to try, thanks steve👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@followyourbrush]

I’m definitely not afraid to mess up, I’m great at that! 😂

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Similar to what you said Steve about some people getting halfway through a painting and not wanting to go any further in case they ruin it. I have been guilty of that. But I found a way around it. You see, once I get to that point, I stop and I take several photographs of my painting, and then I proceed going beyond my comfort zone and doing something new and scary. Sometimes I mess it up straight away, but occasionally I somehow managed to pull it off and I am successful. When I mess it up I toss it away and refer back to my photographs, and then I don't feel so bad, or guilty ;)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good input, thanks!

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Two waterproof fountain pen inks I use are Noodler’s Lexington Gray (Careful opening the bottle, he fills them to the very top) and Platinum Carbon Black. You can load Lexington Gray into an empty waterbrush straight or in dilutions, and it retains its water resistance. Lexington Gray is a dark gray that is transparent, so it can be layered into black. Both of these inks are great with watercolor. A fountain pen ink that is PARTIALLY water resistant is Monteverde Smoke Noir, a dark gray. You can retain some of your line while making a gray toned wash, at least on the papers I’ve tried. A dark brown fountain pen ink that is mostly but not completely waterproof is Noodler’s Walnut. Dark browns that are almost completely water-soluble are Diamine Expresso and Diamine Macassar. For a waterproof brown fountain pen ink, somewhat lighter, I recommend De Atramentis Document Brown. Be sure to give it time to fully dry and set.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Yes as a beginner I did learn that I needed to add some ink to my watercolors, recently. I have been using Micron Pens mostly but I’m excited to try some other inks & pens to study. I am still learning so much from your videos and I am hoping to participate in my first Inktober this year 2021!! Thanks 😊 for the information, inspiration and sharing this with us.

[@summerlakephotog8239]

Wow‼️It made the highlights pop out. The grass line is cool.

[@sassysanders3997]

Learned so much Steve! Never knew you could use the gel pens as a wash. My daughter has colored with gel pens and used a very small amount of water to smooth the ink but now I bet she (and I) will use the method you taught today. God bless you

[@barbrajoan2554]

Thank you for this Steve. I do a lot of watercolor painting and find that drawing with pen and ink is so relaxing. I'm still exploring the different inks though so this was very helpful.

[@becool365]

I prefer fountain pens with water soluable ink. Just kind of lends itself to my technique. even if you lose the lines. I use several colours and so they mix on the paper for some very nice effects.

[@niteycat]

I’m glad you covered this. I have been searching for the best ink because I dig the water soluble ink effect but wanted something different than my Tom Norton or Daniel Smith Walnut inks.

[@delila351]

You can do another one if you want :) I love all your videos and I thank you.

[@gee355Art]

Great idea - I usually avoid stuff that doesn't run very much with water but this technique works well. You get to keep your linework AND have a little tone as well 🖒

[@mindofwatercolor]

Exactly. Some water soluble inks run too much but this one tones just enough to be useful without obliterating the lines. Thanks Gee!

[@kimleon-guerrero9980]

Love the video Steve, this was really interesting and the sketch turned out great. I've been participating in inktober for the first time. At first I was really hesitant because I had little experience with ink. After the first couple of drawings I really started enjoying the challenge. I followed all the prompts and never missed a day because I was discovering so much about art and my strengths and weaknesses. Now I'm looking forward to next years challenge ! I so enjoy and appreciate your channel and all you share. Blessings 💞💫

[@mindofwatercolor]

Good for you! Thats impressive that you made it through all the prompts. Your art will be better for it.

[@Juhani139]

Thanks for doing this vid! I have been wondering about how to use water soluble ink. Love the soft shadows. Thanks for the gel pen tip.

[@romadecalo1726]

Steve, you are the best, I'm learning a lot. Thanks🙏

[@libbyfuntera8497]

Thank you Steve-love pen and ink and it was great to watch your video and learn.

[@maryanharrell5642]

Thanks again, Steve. I plan to try this technique. I have done some india ink sketching years ago, but this looks so neat. I will get the pens, and the brush! Thanks, again. I enjoyed doing Inktober, limiting myself to small drawings and a short time to work each day. I am already looking forward to next Inktober!

[@catelinvaida2172]

Steve, love the videos! Just started using soluble ink. I’m trying to improve my quick sketches of pine trees and like the technique you use in this video. Any chance you could do a demo?

[@TerrieJohnson731]

Hey Steve! Thanks for this video! I just put down my Faber Castell clutch, and Art Alternatives generic Fat Boy! I am very happy, they complete my graphite for now, until I buy aquarelle, lol. I have Bamboo pens on the waybecause I want extremely organic lines, mostly, and a jar of Speedball. 3 pens and ink that wont break the bank and get me started. I love some line and wwash. But tonal mapping techniques are my current study, hence, graphite, charcoal, and soft pastel . Long lessons, Years to work on them. .

[@lauradains2734]

I really enjoy this technique. I'm glad you got your shirt. I didn't even know about the shirt to order it in time. Also, I just want to add my appreciation for your Darth Tater there in the back ground. I got mine before I was a regular online shopper - so I waited for the day it hit the store shelves. I'm not a big Star Wars fan (I like it but I'm not a Star Wars memorabilia buff) but I do love Mr. Potato Head and the Darth Tater was, at the time it came out, a really novel idea and I thought it was so clever. I appreciate your skills as an artist and a teacher, and I really enjoy your sense of whimsy. Tell Reece hello for me.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I'm in the same camp. I like Star Wars but not really a collector or rabid fan. Thanks!

[@natalierice6528]

I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for another great technique.

[@paulettelane6428]

Another water soluble pen is the Pilot Razor Point. Thought it was the only water soluble ink pen available. It also comes with coloured ink but I have used only black. Love your videos. Always learn something.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the input. I'll check it out!

[@PavelUrusov]

I tried Uniball Eye and Uniball Air, and they’re totally waterproof.

[@LeaGalTan]

Terrific video. Thanks! Beautiful sketch! I recently tried sketching with a fountain pen with water soluble ink and liked the result. Now I want to try the gel pens you mentioned. Art has the best toys:-) Your Inktober t-shirt is quite fetching -- Reese needs an Inktober hat:-) I completed Inktober but I didn't buy the t-shirt.

[@olimueller]

Very nice technique! Thanks for sharing. I will try that.

[@lvmylord54]

I have enjoyed inktober! People have said that I've improved through it.

[@Ms1lonewolf]

Ya I like this affect. It's awesome! Thanks 😊

[@MDCampbell]

This is just terrific, Steve, and I think this will make a lot more folks take an interest in this technique and even about purchasing new pens, knowing what you can do with them. I used gel pens for one of my Inktober drawings, and it allowed me to produce just enough tone to get some interesting values in the image. I prefer to just add water to my india ink, but I really enjoy this technique and it's almost custom made for water brushes. In my travel kit, it's one of my favorite ways to draw, on the go, when I don't have a lot of time. Thank you and a wonderful lesson! Happy Halloween! :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

M.D. Campbell thanks man! I sort of fell into a pen testing obsession over the last year or so and enjoyed this little discovery for a nifty, one-tool quick sketching process.

[@susanhamilton1822]

Thanks Steve. I've been thinking a lot about pens and inks lately but haven't tried yet other than with my micron and Pitt pens.

[@frankreid4817]

I really enjoy watching you work in pen and ink. I do the same and love to sketch for long hours. I also like to apply watercolor to the pen drawings. My specialty is old wood barns and old rusty trucks. Thanks for these great tutorials and the new Shorts you have been doing. I love them all.

[@SuperStrangSshadow]

You make me want to draw and paint again which I haven't been doing for years.

[@delorreskapluck8516]

Thanks Steve this was great! Going to try it for sure.

[@ryanembry9875]

cool! the line work reminds me of Albrecht Durer. nice job

[@mindofwatercolor]

High praise! Thank you!

[@veronicahenderson3693]

Steve, I love the 512 nibs for pen and ink.....Thanks

[@frankfranklyn2562]

Regarding Fountain Pens, and putting aside cartidges, there are bottle refills of water permanent inks out there. As usual, some are better than others and many swear by their own 'trusted' brands. I use fountain pens and prefer the feel of fountain pens with permanent ink. But in any case, fountain pens (permanent ink) working alongside watercolours have their fans. Adding a fude knib fountain pen adds yet another dimension :-)

[@jasneskis]

I like your shirt too., Ink drawing and painting is great.

[@DiRidpath]

Great tutorial. Thank you!

[@lubapatitucci5831]

Water soluble ink is what we used in school (back in the old days). It was a great excuse to say that my dog drool all over my homework.😂😂😂

[@ArnauVinuesa]

I love your shirt!

[@yowgiaoart5630]

very nice drawing!!

[@01fatina]

Привет Стив! Я очень люблю Ваши скетчи!!!!!!!!! Акварель, спасибо!

[@essietangle9931]

Thanks Steve for the breakdown on the pens. So glad that so many have done inktober and many other challenges this month. If you ever want to go really crazy with this idea its fun to try the Elegant Writer with water. I used it for my final Inktober drawing for mask. thanks again, Essie/luv4art33.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, the elegant writer can do some cools stuff. For me, it runs a bit too much for the precision of this technique but I've seen some really cool stuff done with it.

[@essietangle9931]

The Mind of Watercolor i was afraid of that but it is fun to play with.

[@th.5260]

I was wondering if you've ever made a how to blend watercolor video.. If not, it would be nice if you made one since I'm finding a lotta trouble with it and i just started watching your videos and I like them.

[@sandylosacco2194]

Great Steve,I want to pass on s pen you might want to try Elegant Writer is the name of it. I think you will love it When you hit the lines with water you get a lovely color.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I've seen some fun demo's using them. Pretty neat. It does run a bit too much (like fountain pens) for more precise toning like this but it's cool.

[@eileengoldenberg270]

You can use Platinum Carbon black in fountain pens. It is permanent and is great with watercolor. I teach a “sketching with fountain pen” class here in San Francisco. Yes most regular fo inks are soluble.. thanks Steve..

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I actually have two fountain pens filled with Platinum Carbon Ink. Good stuff. Thanks Eileen!

[@mikedonahue2918]

mike Donahue . like your art.

[@pinkypilot]

I am such a line and wash person.....am sad you're not going to continue this method on KZbin.

[@DrawingWithFire]

Great video Steve! 😁 I'm not doing inktober, but I was doing this technique this past Sunday. I was working out some ideas for a burning & this helped. I also tried the spontaneous watercolor & adding ink after. I really like that. I need to practice some more with it, but I was pretty happy overall. It allowed me to loosen up in the beginning & then focus on some details. I will definitely be doing it more. 😃 On Sundays I have 2 sketchbooks going...one just for loose watercolors (the handmade watercolor sketchbook) & the other for working out ideas (stillman & birn beta). This is helping me to let layers dry in between...lol 😉 I hope your doing well my friend. 🤗 I have to go finish coloring the gourd...no more flames. 😆

[@mindofwatercolor]

LOL! Well you handled the gourd catching on fire like the pro that you are. I probably would have been panicked and ruined under the faucet or something. Glad you've been trying the pen technique. I'll bet you have some pretty interesting sketchbooks to look at. BTW, are you still interested in a trade for that watercolor painting you like (the original)? If so message me on FB and we'll talk.

[@DrawingWithFire]

The Mind of Watercolor LMBO! 😆 I think you would have been fine. 🔥 That was the first time ever doing that for me & only my 2nd gourd ever. Up until these last few months, I hadn't been working in sketchbooks. You & Marty inspired me to start. So right now there isn't a whole lot in there & I don't think they are all that great. Just playing with watercolor & ink...hopefully learning a few things. 😉 I sent you a fb msg...i am absolutely interested. 😃

[@xTK421x]

I bought a set of Charkola water color brush pens for my daughter. She did not like them, but i do. I use them a lot for filling in small areas. The pigment inside can be spread over a surprising amount of area. However, The pigment does not lift out well at all. In fact I only use them in a very controlled area.

[@donnapurdy4035]

Where can one get a permanent ink cartridge?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Platinum Carbon amzn.to/3rdOWWi

[@KAW67]

So I want to use water soluble ink to draw a piece but I don’t know what to use to protect the piece. All my varnishes disturb the ink

[@mindofwatercolor]

Spray it first with a sealer like Krylon UV clear. They you can use a brush-on varnish. amzn.to/3sGuZpk

[@richardlumpkin4607]

Trust the process, embrace and enjoy the challenge. I haven’t been into ink much at all but have given a try this month. Specific results not so great but I have learned and I think it’s made me a better drawer. I just purchased some watercolor pencils and will give this a try with them until I can get water soluble pens. Thanks for your tutelage, knowledge and willingness to share. Did you see Liron’s portrait of you? Nice tribute. Happy All Saints!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey Richard. Glad you gave it a try. As I said in the video, it will make you a better renderer for sure. Yes, I put a comment on his video and he said he was going to send me the portrait. Hahahah, what a blast!

[@kellywilson2147]

Great video, Steve! If I do any pen and ink it's with a fountain pen or, my favorite, dip pen and way too much ink. Thanks, now I can have a couple of pens to try something different. Question: I've yet to use the Non-Photo Blue before but have always wanted to because I need to prove my drawing skills. I know that anything you sketch in NPB pencil will not show on copies, but do you erase the original sketches or leave it there?

[@kellywilson2147]

I asked the question because if you're making copies it wouldn't matter. If you're keeping the drawing in your sketchbook would you erase the peliminary sketch? Could it have disappeared beneath the ink drawing and the wash? I did Google these questions, but I count not find the rightw01 answers. 😲

[@kellywilson2147]

Steve! In the previous email reply I tried to explain my question. I don't know what I did wrong, but the comment and following reply sent before I was finished and didn't get to proofread. My sincerest apologies, Steve!

[@mindofwatercolor]

I leave the blue pencil and don't erase since I mostly just use it for sketches, not on finished paintings. I use it because its a cleaner way to sketch with less erasures. Thats why most artists use it, not so much for making copies. Red, orange, and purple are also common.

[@lvmylord54]

I have a uniball vision. It does loosen with water, but is described as water proof and fade proof so do you have to use the water as soon as you use the pen before it becomes water proof?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its usually a good idea. Over time it probably becomes less water soluble. I also don't use my good watercolor brushes for this (something I should have said in the video) for fear of the ink drying in the brush. Use a brush especially for this. Just a cheap synthetic is fine.

[@lvmylord54]

Yes, I kept the brush in water after each stroke or so and I used a plastic handled craft brush instead of my good brushes.

[@NikeshJaggan]

Hey Steve! Would you be able to do a review, even short, about the specific brush pen at 2:12? I want to try one of those since they don't seem to have bristles like my kuretake brush pens, or like the pentel GFKP. Apparently, they're called "letter pens" in China and Japan. I can't find video reviews of them, and I want to see how they write before deciding to buy one or not. If somehow you already have a review or some sort about it, well, that's just embarrassing for me isn't it? :P

[@mindofwatercolor]

I talk about them here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3-TfYOtp8mAldUm3s and here kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ_YXnRoZstmac0m10s Not much else to review really.

[@kayjohnson4639]

Steve, could you tell me if Micron pens are airline safe( won't explode) as these gel pens are?

[@mindofwatercolor]

I think so but couldn't say for sure.

[@pattyleib]

If you would have added watercolor itself, would the lines still stay?

[@mindofwatercolor]

They would have flowed into the watercolor a bit. After the lines were wet then dried they stay put pretty well.

[@katherinesimonds622]

Wondering if you have used the Creative Writer?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes. Its much bolder and runs more for this process but does some interesting things. I've seen pretty cool stuff done with them.

[@hangingoutwithronwalters4505]

Steve, thank you once again for another great video. Can you share how you put the bible verses on the last of your videos. that is a great way to share God's word. Your brother in Christ.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Ron! Its based on the promise in Isaiah 55:11 that His Word will not return to Him void (or empty). I take that promise very seriously and joyously. To me it means God's Words have power and will in some way and in certain hearts find fertile ground. I am not good at preaching nor is my channel the proper venue for that, but Christ has graced me with His salvation and all that I have. I can do no less than share His Words.

[@billsiviter9272]

Nearly everything I've seen of your work is small scale. Do you ever work on larger scale say 11"x15".

[@sinaya1211]

❤️NAMASTE🙏🌺✨