Thanks guys,
Tammy, you are right to point out the old squinting! I might do some sketches and see how it would look with a bit of work on the upper arm.
Mischa you are right they should be built by layer, this actually is done that way. I have found that is a quality of of Sumi-e to almost dye the paper so their is no movement. I wanted to reinforce what you said especially since I have never worked in water color, anyone that does just amazes me! I always end up with a blob of mud, well a river off mud!
Dave - who is the
Ink King in my mind - this is stick sumi-e with a stone, I also bought (you had mentioned) a nice bottle of the liquid like the Japanese Vermilion I use with my stamp. One of the reasons I'm doing the little boy over, I went into the really dark-darks with the liquid and it looked like a "black hole" where ever I put it, so I'm taking it out all together.
But see, I learn something from you
every time - I had no idea one of the properties was the grainy look, I thought it was dust! HA!
I think the client liked the look of this ink so she is expecting these issues.
I just wish I could fine more Bistre without shellac! The one below is done with this ink and shows more line work, but you'll see the more diluted quality of the non shellac version.