Fountain Pen Ink Art: Introduction

SATURDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 10.30am to 2pm With the recent boom in the diversity of fountain pen ink colours, sheens and shimmers, this workshop explores their unique make up and reactions with water and bleach, and demonstrates this through creating art in a way that hasn’t been taught before. The unique characteristics of chromatography, serendipity and alchemy sets fountain pen ink art apart from all other art mediums. The techniques demonstrated, allow students to work both ‘dark into light’ and ‘light into dark’ and across a diverse range of disciplines including: watercolour painting, illustration, hand lettering, calligraphy and fine art. What to expect Suitable for all ages and abilities, this workshop gives all the necessary techniques and top tips to allow students to create unique and fascinating artwork using this extremely diverse art medium. This workshop encourages you to re-imagine a product produced for a now increasingly obsolete purpose, and to explore its potential for uses within other creative contexts. Taking risks and making ‘mistakes’ is encouraged, in order to create exciting visual outcomes. What you’ll take away • A number of experimental pieces, exploring various ways to use inks • The knowledge and skills to continue experimenting with fountain pen ink at home or in the studio • An infectious curiosity for all the amazing possibilities of ink! Your tutor Nick has spent much of his working life at some of London’s top creative agencies and design studios as a designer, visualiser and lettering specialist. He also spent 8 years at the University for the Creative Arts as a sessional tutor. Since 2015, he has been engaged with a personal project of re-imagining fountain pen inks as a creative medium for lettering and illustration. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided, and you are welcome to use our small kitchen. There is a shop a short walk away, and parking at the weekend is easily available just outside. We're on the first floor, unfortunately with no lift access.