Ink painting can be challenging at the very beginning. And there is no erase button as with digital art or pencil drawing. Once ink touches the paper, it stays there permanently. This is often the first lesson taught in an ink painting course. It may feel stressful, but it teaches you to be more careful and confident. Every stroke shows your emotional state. Pauses will easily be seen. Your lines will be stronger when you are confident.
Teachers often remind students to slow down. The Tingology This tip may sound confusing as ink is very fast drying. However, it is part of learning proper timing. When you do it too fast you might see that your work looks messy. When you move too slowly the ink might spread excessively. You start to realize that the balance brings you good results. You must stay controlled yet relaxed. With time and practice, it becomes simpler.
In the beginning, students concentrate on simple exercises. You draw straight, curved, and varying thick-to-thin lines. These tasks sound simple but are not easy. Your hand may tremble and movements feel stiff. But over time, you gain better control. One day you will find that your lines become flowing more naturally. It is a significant learning process.
Ink painting also teaches the use of empty space. The difference between dark ink and blank paper is obvious. What you fail to paint will be as good as what you paint. Novices usually attempt to fill all the spaces and this is not required. Leaving space empty can balance and calm your artwork.
Students usually start with basic objects such as bamboo and stones. These subjects are not as easy as they seem. Bamboo requires slow and continuous lines. Foliage requires definite forms and orientation. Rocks need a texture and depth. Meanwhile, water is an important ingredient in ink painting. The more water you use to dilute the ink, the lighter and softer the lines become, the less you use, the darker and sharper they become. Water control is a key skill to master.
At times, everyone becomes deeply focused during class. One can hear just the sound of brushes on paper. It feels quiet and peaceful. Errors are still part of the process. Sometimes ink falls where it should not. However, you do not start anew but you learn to make mistakes as part of your painting. A small mistake can become a tree, shadow, or detail.
The kind of paper you work on is also of great significance. Slim paper can pucker or take up excessive ink. Thicker paper usually works better. The papers absorb the ink faster and those retain the ink longer on the surface. You will also experiment with various types, and learn which one you like.
By the end of the course, you will notice clear improvement. Your lines look more confident and fluid. You also get to know how to be patient and focused. There is no undo, but it is a powerful teacher. Gradually your brush strokes start to manifest your personal style and character.