White Ink vs. Liquid Paper

Verric speaking here!

I had to bring liquid paper to uni the other week. It was then I realised that I hadn't used liquid paper in a while!

I stopped using liquid paper some time ago because I was very unhappy with the results. It dried too fast, was often too thick or would thicken as you worked with it, and would sometimes scan or photocopy with a shadow of the liquid paper against the background. Having to go and remove it digitally was a waste of my time. It is designed to delete text in a document and it does that perfectly.

I then switched to white pigment ink in my artwork. I didn't get the cons of liquid paper, but instead the solution is thinner and it can take a few applications to get it white enough. As it dries, I can't work on that piece and must set it aside, so I often leave that to the end and do all the pages in one go, leaving them drying on every nearby flat surface. I can use a brush with it, which can allow for some very precice application. Apparently I can use it in a pen or airbrush as well, but I haven't tried that out yet!

I used white ink in my newest work on dA in highlighting the tree and in the snowflakes. And of course, I also used it in correcting mistakes!

However, I've discovered a new use for liquid paper. When almost dry, I can brush it over black areas to give a light texture. However, I would prefer a brush and acrylic - it's easier to predict the outcome and doesn't dry so fast! :D

Brush + wash

Verric speaking here!



I tried inking with a brush for a quick effect with an ink wash overlay. I actually did it in two layers because I needed different paper for different sections. With the inking I needed smooth paper, but watercolour paper for the wash, which were then merged together on the computer. I wanted it to look like a traveler was passing through and had made this quick sketch to record memories of this place, so I tried to work as fast as possible. I added texture by using the watercolour paper and by splattering ink around. I had a lot of issues because this was the first time trying out brush inking, and I hope to get more opportunities for practice in the future.

You will see this image in Chapter 2, hopefully coming out soon!

Sketch

Verric speaking here





We were asked recently by Jono to include 5 extra pages in chapter 2, so I've been working hard on these as well as my chapter 2 final edits. I've planned to have 3 pages of illustrations out of the 5, so I'm hoping they turn out exactly as I have planned :D The sketch above will be our intro page in which I try something new with inking! I will post up the results

Breakfast sketch

A sketch by Verric

Reading

Verric speaking here!

One thing I love is a good book. And as someone terribly interested in drawing, I love a good book on drawing! I picked up this one from my local library recently:



The author is absolutely crazy about inks!



There are so many types of inks and different ways of applying them. For example, there was a bit where they talk about chinese stick inks - they cost a bomb, one stick lasts forever, improve over time like wine and can be passed down from generation to generation!



Sorry for the horrible mobile phone pics. I don't have access to a scanner while my younger sisters are home for school holidays. But those are just an example of some of the pictures in the book. The one with the horseman was an example of creative freehand work, and the rhino's textured skin is made out of crawling people - it reminded me of Heironymous Bosch.

I'm really intimidated! ;_; There's so much to learn! I want to improve my inking so much since that's one of the huge areas in which I am lacking. And I really need to invest in proper inking pens and materials. Maybe later I'll make a post about the inferior materials I currently use! ^^"

What Verric has been up to...

Verric speaking here!



That's the inside of my house... Okay, you got me there! It isn't.

I recently visited the Art Gallery of NSW to see "The First Emperor: China's Entombed Warriors" exhibition. (See here for info!) It is amazing to see the terracotta warriors. They brought one of each type, as well as various artefacts from that time period including items from the first emperor's tomb. A long time ago, my ancestors came from China, and my parents still identify as Chinese, so to me it was fascinating to be able to see a piece of history here in Sydney. They had a slideshow playing showing some of the faces and hairstyles seen in some of the warriors... they need to bring back braided hair and topknots for men!

To me, the negatives are that you have to pay to go in, it seems to be pretty popular (and hence crowded) and it's all dark and atmospheric. I prefer bright lighting! (Also, no photography allowed!)

We also looked around the rest of the gallery - my parents loved the asian artefacts section.



That's part of my art supply cupboard next to my desk - can you spot my chinese warrior paper doll and his "clothes horse"?

Sketch of suits

Verric will finish this eventually




Also, a late happy new year! May 2011 bring you all you wish for.