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30 Days of Art Supplies: Pilot Ajisai Ink



Welcome to Day 2 of my art supplies challenge!


Today, I'm diving into a unique medium that captured my heart back when I did calligraphy: Pilot Ink in the color Ajisai. If you're familiar with Pilot inks, you probably know them as high-quality, richly pigmented inks commonly used for calligraphy and fountain pens. But did you know that they can also be used as a stunning medium for painting? Let's explore the versatility of this ink and the inspiration behind today's artwork.


Ajisai: More Than Just a Color

Ajisai is a Japanese word that translates to "hydrangea," and it perfectly captures the essence of this ink's color—a delicate, soft purple blue that mimics the beautiful blooms of hydrangeas. The moment I saw this shade, I knew it would be the perfect inspiration for today's piece. Hydrangeas are my favorite flowers hands down. They're visually stunning and filly my heart with so much joy.


Using Pilot Ink as a Painting Medium

You might wonder how an ink designed for writing can be used for painting. The secret lies in its water-based composition, which allows it to behave similarly to watercolors. Here's how I approached using Ajisai ink for my hydrangea painting:

  1. Paint from the bottle: I used this ink straight from its glass bottle. You can dilute the ink with water to achieve different shades and intensities, from deep blue to soft pastel.

  2. Building Layers: I started by laying down a light wash to form the base of the hydrangea petals. As the ink dried, I added more layers, gradually building up the depth and richness of the color. The ink's smooth flow made it easy to create delicate transitions between light and shadow, capturing the natural beauty of hydrangea blooms.

  3. Finishing Touches: To complete the piece, I used green watercolor for the leaves and stems, creating a striking contrast with the soft blue petals.

Final Thoughts

Day 2 of my art challenge has been a delightful exploration of what Pilot Ink in Ajisai can do. Painting with ink has given me a new perspective on its versatility and beauty, and I'm excited to see how I can use it in my future paintings. If you haven't tried using ink as a painting medium yet, I highly recommend giving it a go—you might just discover a new favorite tool for your artistic arsenal.


Until next time, stay colorful.


Truc-Quan

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