Toddler in ink.

[Elizabeth Schott]

Thanks guys,

Tammy, you are right to point out the old squinting! I might do some sketches and see how it would look with a bit of work on the upper arm.

Mischa you are right they should be built by layer, this actually is done that way. I have found that is a quality of of Sumi-e to almost dye the paper so their is no movement. I wanted to reinforce what you said especially since I have never worked in water color, anyone that does just amazes me! I always end up with a blob of mud, well a river off mud!

Dave - who is the Ink King in my mind - this is stick sumi-e with a stone, I also bought (you had mentioned) a nice bottle of the liquid like the Japanese Vermilion I use with my stamp. One of the reasons I'm doing the little boy over, I went into the really dark-darks with the liquid and it looked like a "black hole" where ever I put it, so I'm taking it out all together.

But see, I learn something from you every time - I had no idea one of the properties was the grainy look, I thought it was dust! HA!

I think the client liked the look of this ink so she is expecting these issues.

I just wish I could fine more Bistre without shellac! The one below is done with this ink and shows more line work, but you'll see the more diluted quality of the non shellac version.

[David Clemons]

Thanks for the kind words, Beth. There's a certain type (Okone?) that's a fairly high grade, as I recall. Plant soot, or pine, sometimes bamboo... The Chinese variety may also be subtly different than the Japnaese. I've forgotten some of the particulars about sumi brands, so I may be a bit foggy on details. Of course, paper matters too, but Strathmore 500 plate is pretty smooth.

Oh, and the above drawing of the old woman is superb!

[Michele Rushworth]

These are so nice!

[Elizabeth Schott]

Thanks Michele! You are always so nice and helpful - as busy as you are - amazing!

[Linda Brandon]

Beautiful work on these, Beth - and I congratulate you for doing so well with such a difficult medium!

[Elizabeth Schott]

Thanks Linda!

Tammy I did some work on the little girls arm, hopefully you'll be able to tell.

You'll see the gray in the backgrounds and hopefully that will give you an idea of the rest knowing it's not really there, since the paper is whitish (Strathmore 500 series). The are at the same values but it doesn't look like it in these images.

I am showing the brother here too, they are both such cute kids, it's been fun working on them, although they are NOT done.

Thanks again.
Beth

[Alexandra Tyng]

Beth,

I love these and I admire how you have used the combination of washes and economical, descriptive lines.

[Margaret Ferguson]

These are lovely, they must be very pleased
Hope you don't do too much more to them

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Beautiful work on these, Beth - and I congratulate you for doing so well with such a difficult medium!

Yes, Ditto, Beth! These are lovely. Do you teach? I love the look of these, and am sure you will find this technique very marketable for portraiture (or book illustration).

Alex said it right too!

Garth

[Elizabeth Schott]

GARTH!

Thanks so much.

I told you I'll teach on your farm or work in the kitchen, clean the rooms - whatever, let's get that workshop school going!

Did you get the demo? Give me a hollar!

Beth