Color Ink Sticks
You have decided that the meditation and grinding process before starting a sumi-e painting to center your mind is for you. OK, now you ask yourself, "What kind of ink stick should I use?" I have grappled with this issue and did some research to try and gain some knowledge on this subject. I pleased to share here with you what I found. Here are 5 kinds of ink stick.
The above color ink sticks are very beautiful. Chinese ink sticks have been used for thousands of years to create ink
for calligraphy and watercolor paintings.
This Chinese calligraphy ink stick set includes fifteen ink sticks. Each
one features an image of a Dragon. Significant since we are currently in the year of the dragon. These sticks may be used for writing
calligraphy or watercolor painting. To create ink using one of these ink
sticks simply add a little water to an ink stone and rub the ink stick
on the bottom until the desired amount of pigment is released.This adds bits of color to your composition and these are very fun to use.
Shanghai Premium Ink Stick
Sample
This ink stick is made from
coal oil creating a shiny brown-black finish that is smooth.
It's highly regarded as one of China's finest quality in ink
sticks. It has markings of "101" on the side of the stick to
differentiate it from others. Expensive at about $30 US
Oil Ink Stick
Sample
Made with coal oil, this ink comes close to the standards
set by the Shanghai Premium 101 Ink Stick, without the hefty price tag. Price is about $10 US
Yellow Mountain Pine Smoke Ink Stick
Sample
This ink stick is made from pine soot creating a matte
blue-black finish that is gritty in texture. Some artists use
this ink for bird feathers to show a subtle variance from
the intense line work of the beak and other outlines. Price is about $10 US for small stick and about $25 US for large stick.
Premium Blue-Black Ink Stick
Sample
This ink stick produces a matte, gritty texture blue-black tone finish ink. Expensive: about $30 US. This ink stick is my personal favorite. I can get rich deep tones and light soft grey tones using this ink stick. I also like the gritty texture it produces.
Whatever ink stick you decide to use, do not forget to find the right grinding stone or slate for you. These stones will enhance your experience so choose your stone carefully..
Collectors Slate "Plum Blossom"
This slate is a 'rare and one of a kind' grinding stone. Multi-colored mineral deposits each become fine plum blossoms on a grand and glorious plum tree, embracing the well.
Director North American Branch of ICCPS
International Chinese Calligraphy and Ink Painting Society
国際中国書法国画家協会アメリカ支部：Ms. Casey Shannon アメリカ現代水墨画家
What is your preference? Anyone?
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