I am completely behind on Inktober 2019 this year, and not sure if I even feel motivated to continue. The iron gall ink is proving problematic on some papers I have been using, as have the pens and brushes. I chose to do about 4 pictures – all of them here – on some really old paper in an apparently antique sketchbook made of really poor quality paper – at least for artwork. So, with no further ado or commentary, here you will find #8 Frail, #9 Swing, #10 Pattern, and #11 Snow.
I’m really stuck this year – maybe I just don’t have the time or focus or desire? Hard to say. I am behind. I don’t really like some of the pens I have been using for Inktober as they have to be either disposable or impervious to the corrosive effects of the iron gall ink I am using.
Maybe it’s the paper? Some of the paper I am drawing on is really old and yellowed, and not really of artistic quality. I have no idea what it is made of, and is in an sketchbook that is easily 20 years old, and one I never used.
#7: Enchanted
#8: Frail
#9: Swing
#10: Pattern
#11 Snow
In American English, “Husky” can also mean big and strong. Sumo is full of husky men, trained in the traditional art of Sumo, a form of wrestling or martial art with a long history in Japan. While I don’t really know anything about Sumo, I’ve always rather enjoyed watching it.
Today’s prompt for Inktober 2019 is “bait” – bait?! Jail bait. Cut bait. Click bait. Take the bait. Switch and bait. Crow bait. All kinds of bait.
I went for the obvious: a fish lure and a mouse trap.
I also decided that I would use my homemade iron gall ink that I made earlier this year. Iron gall ink is present in manuscripts, old letters, and the sketchbooks of yore. It’s something I haven’t done yet, and thought it could be a fun (and very messy) project for the month of Inktober.
So, a fish lure. I didn’t decide on the iron gall ink until last minute, so the initial drawing was done with a fountain pen and the washes done with the iron gall, sometimes directly applied, other times diluted. I am using a throwaway brush because iron gall corrodes things, such as pen nibs, so it will most likely do a number on the brush.
A mouse trap with a really generous bit of cheese – and probably an unrealistic amount at that!
So, baited we are.
Inktober happens every year. A prompt, ink, and there you go. This year I am off to a late start, but did some quick sketches to catch up with myself.
I did this one as I drank coffee out on the patio, pondering what #1 Ring could be about. I thoughts of rings of friends and family, of those you love. I started out drawing hearts but just didn’t get anywhere with it. And, right in front of me, the rings of my tomato cages, piled up in a pot that has been harvested of its whatever. So, rings in the cages, and from there, the ring of life.
Yeah, this is a bit sick! But I have been watching “Grimm” on Amazon, and it is perfect for #2 Mindless. A mindless show, a mindless thing to do (binge-watching something so silly), and, I admit, a pleasant way to spend a bit of time when I don’t particularly feel motivated to be more than mindless.
See ya tomorrow! And hopefully, some progress with my “Abandoned” watercolor class, too.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 