Thursday, October 1, 2015

Inktense and Prints

I did 2 little illustrations for Fall.


They are originally on watercolor paper and done in ink pen and Inktense pencils.
If you aren't familiar with Inktense, They first appear to be watercolor pencils but they are not.
It's ink and it's permanent.
Unlike watercolor, you can layer over it and it won't get muddy.
Not that I know anything about watercolors but...
What you do is, or at least what I do, is to color it in then go over it with water. 
I learned by watching a YouTube video.
Rather than a traditional brush and water, I use a water brush.
The water is in the handle and dispenses as you go.
Maybe everyone knows about this and it's nothing new but I discovered them both last year and I love it.
I still use acrylics and papers and things in most of my paintings but these two were done in just ink and Inktense.
I will now get prints of them and sell them at the clinic and eventually online.
I always think the problem with prints is that then you have to find the proper frame.
Well, not mine!
I've mounted my prints on canvas that have the sides painted black and
sealed the whole thing with several coats of gloss finish.
It doesn't really show it in the photos of course, but they have a nice smooth "feel" to them.
Here are a few that I did and are now hanging up at the clinic.

I ordered the prints from two different sources.
One puts a border around the print and does it in a more matte finish.


The other does no border and only gloss unless I want to wait several days.


So far different people like different looks.
I prefer one but I won't say yet.
Do YOU prefer one over another?
Anyway, I think I'm really on to something!
I also decided on the "NAME" of my Art business!!!!!
But I'll share that later.
xoxo

16 comments:

tammy j said...

OMG!!!!
i love these cindi.
my smile just got bigger and bigger with each one.
they are whimsical and adorable.
they just make you happy looking at them!
and...
i had never heard of the inktense OR the water brush. fantastic!
makes me want to play around with it myself!
and...
i clicked on a little past post below titled refried beans...
i eat the non fat kind too. and i have found if you stir in some olive oil or canola oil... it makes ALL the difference! i put in a good tablespoon at least!
delicious! i also doctor them up and make them a bit spicier.
onion powder... garlic... you know. then the salsa cheese and sour cream. LOL.
try it!
i love this post.

Vicki said...

Oh SNAP!!!
I was researching Inktense Pencils online just last night!! Great minds thinking alike across the ether, lol.
I was thinking these pencils might be good for "aging" my bears and rabbits after distressing the fabric to give them an old, well loved look/feel.
So, tell me, do the pencils blend nicely into nothing and don't leave any "harsh" lines? I'm curious, and wonder if it's worth buying one to play with. My other option was to use Distress Inks, but I know they're not waterproof...

I LOVE these prints, Cindi. So good to see the colour play here. Vibrant and delicious and happy :)

I too prefer a "bare print" - on canvas, no frame. It gives a more authentic, "straight from the artist's studio" feel. And, especially when they're on the thicker edged canvas - like you have here. Wider edges are more generous and look fabulous.

Personally, for me, I like canvas art that goes out to the edges. I think sometimes a border forces the eye to stop, right there. Whereas, I like the "infinity" feel of the print blending with the black edge.
But, again, that's my preference.
I feel borders belong on/in framed prints and paintings...
So, if I had to decide, I'd opt for no border, with a matte finish.

But, whatever you choose, know this - you have some GORGEOUS artwork happening here!
I tried, and I can't choose just one, lol!
But, if I had to have my rubber arm twisted, I come back to your last one - blue kitty on modern background. Why, I don't know, but it appeals to me.
But then, so does "butterflies" and "happy" and, of course, I love an autumn puppy :)

You GO GIRL! You're on a roll!
Happy creating MARVELLOUS work.
XXX

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I didn't know about these pens! Your art is adorable! xoxo Su

Cindi Myers said...

Tammy!
:) :) :)
So glad you like them!
That makes me so Happy!
If you decide to try them, you can get them for a good price on Amazon.
At first glance they appear a little expensive but not really since a tiny bit goes a long way! I originally got the 12 pc set as a birthday gift and loved it so much that I then used my Christmas money to buy the 72 pc set!

I did a post about refried beans?
LOL!
xoxoxo

Cindi Myers said...

Vicki,
They would be PERFECT for your bears and rabbits!
I first read about them over on Sandy's blog.
She's an AMAZING artist and a super sweet person.
Her creations have a cool creepy edge to them and she always cracks me up.
She does some many things, paintings and dolls...just so cool.
Here's a link to her blog and she currently has a couple of her dolls posted.
http://smastroni.blogspot.com/
You'll see how well the Inktense is blended. That's what she uses on their faces. She blows me away with her faces!
Yep, you will LOVE her.

I'm SO HAPPY you like my latest creations.
I do feel like I'm on a roll.
Truthfully, I think I lean more to the matte finish but I'd like to lose the edge. I guess I need to hurry up and order some from the place that takes a few days but has no edge and see what they come out like.
I plan to use part of this weekend to finish up my Fall paintings and my Pumpkins and then I can start on Xmas and calendars!

Thanks again and go check out Sandy! She's a sweetheart.
xoxoxo

Cindi Myers said...

Su,
Yes Inktense are just so great to work with!
You definitely should check them out.
Welcome back by the way! :)
Thanks for commenting!!!
xo

Vicki said...

Did you say calendars???
I just fell off my chair, lololol.
CMA 2016...

sassypackrat said...

I love these! Framing them this way is perfect! I have so many prints sitting in a drawer cause I never go out and get frames.

I like both styles but I think I like the print all the way to the edge a little better.

Excited to see more artwork from you. Again if you need help with shop graphics, just let me know.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Oh Cindi!! I love them, love them, love them!!! They are so whimsical, colorful and happy!

I can't wait to hear about the name of your biz :).

I think my fav is the first. That face!!!

Cindi Myers said...

Vicki,
Why yes I did!
LOL!
:D :D :D

Cindi Myers said...

Jen,
Thank you!
The more I look at them the more I think I do too.
:D
When I get to that point I will probably be emailing you because I don't know a thing about it!
So thank you in advance!
xoxo

Cindi Myers said...

Oh Doreen!
That makes me so Happy that you love them!
Everyone has been so positive and it just motivates me even more!
AND... I sold one at work today!!!!
Wahoo!
:D :D :D
and I will reveal my Art business name very soon!
LOL!
xoxo

Jan said...

What fun paintings, so cheerful and happy and colorful, they all make me smile! Glad you are having fun with your art. I like the ones with no frame around them best.

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

I love number 2, the dog in leaves, but all your work is perfect.

Cindi Myers said...

Jan,
Thank you!!!!
I'm so glad that they make you smile.
:D
Seems like everyone likes the no-frames ones!
Hmmm, very interesting!
I thought everyone would like the others! LOL!
Thanks again!
xoxo

Cindi Myers said...

Sharon!
XOXOXOXO