Ink: Do More Art

by Bridget Davies

Ink is the first in an exciting new practical-art series on popular mediums, including acrylic, oil, pencil and gouache. The books will cover painting techniques, creative ideas and applications, and the fun of mixing with other mediums. Many of the techniques and ideas will be demonstrated through the work of some of the world's greatest artists and illustrators. The first book explores ink's use in painting, illustration and lettering. With its contemporary aesthetic and accessible content, the series will appeal to artists of all abilities.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, How To

128 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2019

Reviews

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a big book, but what it lacks in size well and truly makes up in content. I am very much inspired by the different effects that can be achieved by some of the techniques explained and pictured in this book.
a real must to anyone who want to create some stunning effects by using ink in different ways.
A fabulous book .

[Anya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ink is going to be a book for you if you're looking for different methods and what you can use it for. The examples are short and I'd say it's more for yourself to try out than extreme step-by-step instructions.
I liked the variety of the techniques and the different art styles of all the contributing artist.
I was curios as to how much ink differs from water colors and it actually doesn't that much, so theoretically, you could try most of the prompts with water colors as well.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy of Ink!

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in love with the creative ideas in this book! There are so many fun, artistic, brilliant ways to play with ink in all kinds of ways. Examples -- use straws, salt, turpentine, masking, collage, wax, etc. to play with effects. There are simple step-by-step instructions to do all kinds of novel effects. The examples are gorgeous and inspirational for your own inky experiments or those of your kids.

My rating system:

1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost

I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered this book through a friend. An overwhelming array of practical inspiration all around an amazing medium. Looking forward to experimenting.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Ink: Do More Art is an inspiration and technique guide to several art techniques with special emphasis on ink and ink techniques. Released 24th June 2019 by Laurence King, it's 128 pages and available in hardcover format.

Author Bridget Davies has a matter of fact and encouraging writing style and the book is lavishly illustrated with clear photographs of the different techniques and side by side comparison pics of alternative media and tools and how they interact with one another.

Roughly 10% of the page content is used in the introduction which covers tools, materials, some definitions and materials selection. Techniques including blotting, washes, bleeding, lifting, and others alone and in combination, use up another 30%. There are a broad range of techniques and readers of different levels will likely find some useful information here.

The next chapters are refinements of the techniques covered and include using salt, household products, bleach, surface resists, collage, pen and ink on surface paintings, and more.

This is a useful book and would make a lovely addition to the artist's library. The graphics are appealing and got my fingers itching to try several of the included exercises.

Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 65 page book Included 48 ideas and techniques for exploring and expanding the use of ink in art projects. A lot of it was based on watercolor tricks, such as achieving interesting textures with salt, plastic wrap, soap bubbles, washes, etc., but there were some new-to-me ideas too like combining it with gesso and gold leaf. A few were a little boring, such as splattering and using ink in calligraphy and collage, but perhaps that will be a novel idea for some. Each technique was explained thoroughly and there were lots of photos of examples by contibuting artists for inspiration. There was also a short summary on the various types of ink: acrylic, shellac, Indian, watercolor, calligraphy, and metallic, and which of these become waterproof when dry, etc. Personally I would have appreciated if this had gone into a bit more depth, but overall I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing such a wonderful collection of finished examples by the various contributing artists. I think anyone interested in ink will find something inspiring within these pages.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cool! Ink includes detailed and clear explanations for a very large range of techniques for using ink. Between the written descriptions and the accompanying gorgeous pictures the book is very easy to follow. The author also includes information regarding tools (brushes, paper, etc.) and provides a lot of creative ideas. I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC! The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #DoMoreArt #ink #art #nonfiction

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art books are tough to review because if they don't cover the techniques, etc. you're seeking then it's disappointing. This is basically a 120 page book with 60 techniques. I liked it since it's basically a book of ideas for you to try without a lot of explanation, but enough to go on. If you want a deep dive this one is not for you. It's good for a couple new ideas and maybe some inspiration. The art and illustrations are excellent.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I spent a number of years working with ink on linen as an illustrator, and I always enjoyed working with the medium. I've been wanting to try something new with it and this is just what I needed to get me started! I really liked the variety of ideas presented, and the project samples were beautiful! It was nice to see a variety of artists represented. I look forward to spending more time with this wonderful book.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

To me, this book is essential for the artist starting out with inks as it gives tons of ideas what you can do and achieve with inks. For the same reason, it’s a great keeper as reference and inspiration for any artist. Love this book!

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for access to a review copy. This is my honest review.

[Nicolet Groen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ink gives an excellent overview of all kinds of uses of ink in art. After reading this book, I started using ink a lot more in my mixed media artwork; I have to admit I always have underrated the possibilities of the medium. It's an inspiring book with an abundance of techniques I would have never figured out myself. A must-have in the library of any mixed-media artist.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ink is a interesting and informative book about using ink as a medium for art. Great advice and techniques.