Cane but fully abled: this session was all about ink and mostly dip pens and the model brought a cane to pose with. It was a weird sort of coincidence as I’d been using a walking cane the day before because I’d hurt my back (in fact I wasn’t sure if I’d make the session). I wanted to try the R&K Scabiosa ink and the blue Koh-I-Noor Document Ink in the wild, and actually only got to a few pieces using them. I think his name was Asim, I asked him but I have a terrible memory for names.
It was a difficult session, not sure if it was my back or the vibe, but I struggled to begin with. I did the realistic Diamine Iron Gall piece above, as well as the abandoned yet nicely abstract ‘Reaching for Something In The Sadness’ which I realised I couldn’t get the cane in, but actually gives it a sort of surreal feel. The next piece is the second attempt, still not happy with it, it was one of those great classic poses and you feel frustrated at what you come up with.
Next was an A4 piece where I unusually added the background in – the artist and the model – in this case Martin with his headphones on! Even though the model was abled, I wanted to get a sense of frailty and put some of the last few days into the work. I think I succeeded here. Sone rather manic work with the Zebra G nib and dip pen – fast becoming my favourite nib/pen combo. The mix of Sketchink and Indian Ink works well too.
But the last piece I put all my frustration, stabbing the page with my pump fineliner, pressing in and getting deep lines and going for an abstract feel. Then added a mix of inks – the R&K Scabiosa purple iron gall, the Koh-I-Noor blue ink, and maybe some Diamine blue/black. Love how that bled and splashed, it’s my favourite piece from this session.
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