Sumi Slide
© 2026 Jcmlfineart
This week, my buddy came back from Japan and brought me some Sumi ink as a gift. This is my first time using an ink block. It was a very interesting experience. I spent about 20 minutes on this drawing. If you work with inks like this often, any advice would be verry much appreciated. Thanks, Jcml Fine Art
Jcmlfineart
Moh6an,
It feels like it takes a lot of pigment to achieve the high contrast you're talking about. Does sumi ink come in values like Graphite? I struggle to get above a 4B pencil value so far.
Thanks for your help. It means a lot to me that I treat the medium with care and respect it deserves.
All of the best,
JCML Fine Art
It feels like it takes a lot of pigment to achieve the high contrast you're talking about. Does sumi ink come in values like Graphite? I struggle to get above a 4B pencil value so far.
Thanks for your help. It means a lot to me that I treat the medium with care and respect it deserves.
All of the best,
JCML Fine Art
Moh6an
Oh, so you used block-made ink and an inkstone! That’s a task that requires a lot of patience.
(You’ll probably end up spending more time making the ink than actually painting.)
Since it takes so much time, people in Japan often use pre-made ink (“Bokuju”) instead.
https://www.google.com/search?ie=utf8&q=%E5%A2%A8%E6%B6%B2
(You’ll probably end up spending more time making the ink than actually painting.)
Since it takes so much time, people in Japan often use pre-made ink (“Bokuju”) instead.
https://www.google.com/search?ie=utf8&q=%E5%A2%A8%E6%B6%B2
Generally, ink used in Japan is applied in a much darker state (to create high contrast, to the point where gradients aren’t clearly visible). It feels quite different from watercolor, and specialized paper is often used.
Of course, you’re free to use the art supplies however you like, so I think it’s a good idea to try out different things.