PAINTING WITH Inks

INKS

Inks are transparent and can be used as a drawing or painting medium. They have a uniquely transparent quality and dry with a satin sheen. They differ from watercolour in that once dry, they are insoluble.

Drawing inks are extremely transparent and brilliant in colour but are made with dyes so are not lightfast. An alternative is acrylic inks, which are slightly thicker, still transparent and insoluble, but are made with pigment so are less likely to fade; they can be thinned with water. All inks can be mixed like paint to create new colours. Black Indian ink is extremely strong and is often used with a dipping pen for fine drawing because, when dry it is waterproof, transparent colour can then be washed