Plaited hair

Sketch portrait. Drawing ink on paper. 20(h) x 15(w) cm

Architectural drawing pen ink, as was common place 20 years ago, dries with a violet and yellow bloom. It has a lightness and wash-like characteristic that can quickly be deepened to give strong tonal drama and can be readily adapted on the paper as it dries slowly.

Portraits are my ultimate aim, but for now I'm a novice.

However, it's fun to scribble sketches like this, and to dabble in this special, and I think the ultimate skill in the craft of painting.

There's no conscious complex composition or narrative here. No choice of colour. It's simply application of drawing ink and water and using one thin pointed brush as if its a pencil to draw what one sees. There's no particular aim other than to look and explore -  without implication.

I think the result is fun. They have a careless lightness and honesty.