Short Info & History
Watercolor is a water-based painting medium, where water-soluble color inks are used. Modern watercolors are called aquarellum atramento. This method produces stunning artworks and has been a popular painting medium for centuries. Watercolor paintings date back to Europe's Paleolithic Age, with their history as an artistic medium extending to the Renaissance in the 15th century. Albrecht Dürer, a Northern German Renaissance painter, is recognized for his exquisite watercolors of flowers, animals, and landscapes. Hans Bol founded an influential watercolor school in Germany during the Dürer Renaissance.
In contrast, Ink Wash, also known as Indian Ink or shui mo hua (Chinese), is a painting medium using black ink. One unique feature is its ability to change ink grades by adjusting the pressure and position of the nib within a single brush stroke. The method was introduced by Wang Wei during China's Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) and thrived during the Shang dynasty (960-1279). Zen Buddhist monks brought the technique to Japan around 1350. Ink painting reached its height in Japan during the Muromachi period (1338-1573). The Shanghai School, featuring artists like Wu Changshuo, Pu Hua, Wang Zhen, Qi Baishi, and Huang Binhong, is well known for modern and contemporary Chinese freehand ink wash paintings.
Composition
Watercolor consists of four major ingredients: glycerin, bovine bile, honey, and preservatives. These ingredients modify the viscosity, concealing power, stability, or color of the pigment mixture, with water used as a solvent to reduce paint thickness before application.
On the other hand, Indian Ink is primarily black, water-resistant, and forms a colloidal solution in water, which serves as the carrier for the color pigment. These pigments are derived from solid substances like rocks, metals, minerals, and charcoal.
Specific Properties
Watercolors are made of pigments and binders that dissolve in water, allowing artists to achieve transparency and shine by layering. Watercolor paintings can be made waterproof with non-water-based varnishes and fixatives.
Ink Wash, while less vibrant in color, is more durable and resistant to fading. Different ink colors can be used to create colorful artworks. Isopropyl Alcohol or Alcohol Blending Solutions are used to lighten and blend inks, giving a matte finish. For a shiny finish, Claro Extender is used. Like watercolor, ink is applied in layers, but once dry, it becomes waterproof and unblendable.
Key Features
One of watercolor's finest qualities is its transparency. Using water-soluble pigments, watercolor paintings beautifully express dreams, illusions, emotions, and happy feelings.
In opposition, Ink painting emphasizes capturing an artist's spontaneous inspiration after viewing a beautiful scene, rather than precise depictions of real objects. This makes these paintings difficult to replicate. They often feature trees, flowers, landscapes, animals, birds, and people.
Surface or Media
Watercolor paper is the traditional surface for watercolors, but papyrus, bark, plastic, parchment, leather, fabric, wood, and watercolor canvas (coated with gesso) can also be used.
For Ink Wash, the best surfaces are water-resistant and blend-friendly. Common surfaces include papers, ceramics, clay boards, and ink stones. Xuan paper is popular for its high tensile strength, smooth surface, and resistance to wrinkles, corrosion, moths, and mold.
Other Specialties
Watercolors are available in tubes and pans. Tubes contain pre-mixed water elements with a viscosity like toothpaste, requiring dilution before use. Pan paints come in whole and half sizes.
Indian Ink is available in liquid and stick forms. Like other paintings, Ink Wash can fade due to environmental factors but can be protected with a UV-protection sealant. Varying ink density can achieve different tones and shades.
Toxicity and Vegan Friendly
Watercolor is generally safe on the skin, but those with sensitive skin or allergies should check ingredients. Some watercolors contain binders derived from animal proteins and fats, making them non-vegan.
The toxicity of Indian Ink is debated. It should not be used for tattoos or on the skin. Modern Indian Ink includes shellac binder for water resistance, which is derived from animals, making it non-vegan, unlike traditional soot-based ink.
Conclusion
In summary, both watercolor and Ink Wash offer unique characteristics and artistic opportunities. Watercolors are known for their transparency and vibrant expressions, while Ink Wash paintings highlight spontaneous creativity with durable results. Each medium's distinct properties, techniques, and materials cater to different artistic preferences and styles.
GranNino offers a free art hosting platform where artists can upload unlimited artworks, including watercolor and Ink Wash paintings. This platform provides a supportive community for artists to showcase their work, receive feedback, and connect with other creatives. For more information and to start uploading your artworks, visit GranNino.
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