Ink Paintings were an experience that turned my world upside down. My art was flat and lacking in depth, but now it has depth, and that extra zing. This course was not just another notch in my artistic belt. This was a new palette of vibrant colors with endless possibilities. Additional info?
I remember entering the first class with my hands trembling as if I was about defuse an explosive. A blank canvas and ink brushes are intimidating. Our instructor, a man with an infectious laugh, made the experience feel like playing on a playground. He would say “there’s no wrong or right here, only happy accidents,” trying to calm the class with Bob Ross-like vibes.
The first lesson focused on the fluidity and dance of ink across the canvas. My first attempts looked like a drunken web. What’s life without some self-deprecating humour? Each stroke was new to me, but I slowly began to recognize a pattern and rhythm.
I will never forget a particular moment. We were asked to create an artwork inspired by nature. The instructor gave us a brush made of bamboo and told us to “Feel it.” I thought he had gone off the rails. As I let the brush move, I felt a strange connection. Ink spread out like vines and formed shapes that seemed almost deliberate. I had discovered a secret link between my mind and my hands.
What is the aha moment for you? Aha! We discovered it when we experimented with layering techniques. The ink blooms I used didn’t simply sit on top of the canvas; they were a vibrant color that made it look like you could just pluck them off. It was like the canvas had become a living plant.