Ink watercolor is a type of watercolor paint that uses ink as its pigment. Unlike traditional watercolor paints which are usually made from finely ground pigments suspended in a binder, ink watercolors leverage the properties of ink, offering unique characteristics.
Understanding Ink Watercolor
Ink watercolors combine the fluidity and transparency of traditional watercolors with the intense color and potential for rich layering found in inks. This makes them a versatile medium for artists. The key is the use of dye-based inks as the pigment source. Examples include well-known brands like Ecoline and Dr. Martin's.
Creating Ink Watercolor
To make your own ink watercolor, you essentially need three main components:
- Dye-based Ink: This provides the color. Various inks can be used, but dye-based inks are crucial for achieving watercolor-like transparency and blending capabilities.
- Water: This acts as the solvent, thinning the ink and allowing for control over color intensity and washes.
- Binder (Optional): A binder like gum arabic, cellulose, or acrylic can be added to improve the ink's adhesion to the paper and its overall properties. It's not strictly necessary for all applications.
Key Characteristics of Ink Watercolors
- Vibrant Colors: Ink watercolors often exhibit intense and saturated colors compared to some traditional watercolors.
- Transparency: Similar to traditional watercolors, they allow light to pass through, creating luminous effects.
- Layering Potential: The inks can be layered effectively, building up color intensity and depth.
- Fast Drying: Depending on the ink and binder used, ink watercolors may dry relatively quickly.
Examples of Ink Watercolors
- Ecoline: A popular brand known for its vibrant colors and excellent blending capabilities.
- Dr. Martin's: Another well-regarded brand offering a range of colors and properties.
