Watercolor wash or ink: Which should you use first?

When using watercolor and ink, which should be used first? Well that depends! Most urban sketchers draw in ink first, and that's totally fine, but I show you some examples that might help change your mind - making sketching a little easier on yourself :)

#urbansketchers #urbansketching #drawing
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(Chrysler building 3.9" x 9.8", Foxglove 5.9" x 11.8")

Fountain Pens:
Micron Pens


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[Blick_Art]

We love the emphasis on doing art, rather than making a finished product here! We get what you mean about confidence and line drawing! People new to art are sometimes too hesitant, but "tight knuckle" drawing interferes with fluidity and excludes a whole range of mark making. Love the fountain pen, too- more and more artists are adopting this great instrument for sketching!

[heatherdobbs]

I loved that you did the different styles. I prefer the loose style ❤

[magicallymalicious]

I do a little ink first and then finish with more detail after the watercolor. And I guess you could say I'm an urban sketcher but I'm from the south and there's a whole lot of abandoned old plantation homes and historical places so I sketch them. There's just something about decay that I think can be haunting and beautiful.

[boumoha]

I've just began drawing and painting but need to practice a lot. I have to buy some painting materials but, in my home town can't find appropriate ones. I like very much your videos and watche them regularly. I love what you have done and what are you doing.
Many thanks for mohamed boutar...from Agadir Morocco. 🎉🎉

[lindathaxton]

NO COFFEE! I love watercolor &=especially watercolor & ink. Born in California & have lived here all my 80 years. I started learning sketching & watercolor at age 77. Do art every day - watercolor is magic! Thank you for sharing your skills so I can continue learning 🙏

[jamesjacocks]

Very nice! I generally sketch very lightly in pencil and then overdraw with pen being sure to put some interest in the lines. Finally, I apply wash. I do focus on not producing perfection, but rather interesting imperfection and a little mystery. I sometimes put down a wash and then ink, but that is for really loose studies.

[efvp]

For us newbies to watercolor, remember that if you use a fine liner or ink make sure it’s waterproof. I found out the hard way after purchasing a beautiful set by Kuretake, which I love for sketching but not for watercolors, they bleed terribly. Thanks for the video very helpful ❤

[patriciamoar]

Alberta. Well aged. Trying many types of watercolor and sketching. Painting 10 months. Fave is line and wash. Trying gouache now.

[dorothyminor]

I tend to do the ink first. To be honest had not thought about it the other way! Now I’m on my way to my art area to give it a go! Thanks Sandy! You da best!

[lindathaxton]

The Chrysler building is my favorite NY structure! Beautiful

[lindathaxton]

I have done both & Yes inking after is freeing & I find I am happier with the results!

[noreenfontana]

I love my LFL #1965! Yes, it was a very early registered library many years ago! I have enjoyed watching my neighbors fill it with books, take one or more, and return them if they feel like it. I have enjoyed using up my watercolor paper scraps by turning them into bookmarks. I may do a little art now. Stop and visit if you're ever in Minneapolis. I love to read!

[Therealgirlinthedesert]

Hello from Avondale, AZ! 🌵 I used to live in Bothell, WA.
I miss it there so much. I love the idea of painting first then pen. You did a fantastic job explaining this. I can’t wait to go try this as a beginner water colorist. Thank you!

[dorothyminor]

Your explanation as you go along is just perfect! Thank you!

[judywilliams]

Just found your channel and want to know more about watercolor art. I’m 79years young and have always painted in oils. Hope you can teach an old dog new tricks.

[cherylj.harris]

Wash and ink is my favorite. Thank you for sharing the difference!

[Cherifica]

Nice video. Good information. I’m from ALL the way across the country in Winter Park (Orlando) I’ve been doing Christmas cards and used both of these techniques. I like pen after better. There are great homes and parks and old buildings here to use as inspiration. Also animals and birds… Happy Painting!

[at]

Hi Sandy, I'm Audrina from Texas (OWH, remember?). I was in the process of trying to learn to watercolor but my husband had a massive stroke. (Prayers are very welcomed.) I'm his full time caregiver so no time for playing anymore but I love to watch and listen to you. Perhaps one day he'll improve enough that I can get back to it. He loves to stamp and color with pencils. I would love a demo using Karin Markers if you're able to do that. I had just bought a set.
Thanks so much for sharing/teaching your talent. I've loved you for a long time.
Audrina T.

[karenzemko]

I really like the idea of w/c first and "fixing" with a pen over it. I can definitely see the looseness in proceeding in that order. I need to find some time to play. Been helping out with my friend with Parkinson's a lot lately, so my play time is limited. TFS

[ronlyons]

Excellent and so warmly taught:). I came onto Youtube just to find expert know-how on how i might delineate some suggestive WC pieces that i have laying around. And you provided it! Thanks