Entering your first ink painting class, or 酒精墨水星程, can be like opening a brand-new box of chocolates—you’re not exactly sure what flavors you’ll find, but there’s a distinct excitement in the unknown. Approaching the studio door, you will find rows of inky bottles arranged like a rainbow procession, watercolor papers placed neatly, and brushes almost too beautiful to dip in brilliant colors. If you have never owned anything except a Sharpie until recently, rest assured—every single individual in the room started someplace. Get the facts!
To start, you need probably discover a little about the characteristics of your ink. Alcohol inks have a mind of their own, flowing, blossoming, mixing in wild, unanticipated directions. It’s less “paint by numbers,” more joyful mishaps and release from control. Your teacher will most likely exhort you to welcome the anarchy. Often first-timers spend their first hour simply playing. Drip; tilt; swirl;
Usually there is a quick safety lecture. Because fumes can be somewhat strong, alcohol inks require appropriate ventilation. Now and then consider open windows, a fan, and maybe a spritz of fresh air. Unless you enjoy tie-dyeing your particular t-shirt, aprons are very necessary.
In terms of technique, you will start basic. Drop ink on paper and see it spread—honestly, it’s very captivating. Even a straw, a spritz of alcohol, a puff of air—these everyday objects become wands. Your teacher might show you how to produce dreamy gradients or make those trademark ink “cells,” in which case the color looks to pool and shatter in natural patterns.
Most likely you may hear peers offering advice. “Use less initially; it travels fast!” “Blow softly; else it gets everywhere.” One trick: lay down your paper using tape. You don’t want a masterwork flying over the table; ink can take your artwork for an unexpected trip.