Indian ink

[Luke25]

Just bough myself some black indian ink and have inked a few sketches. Just wondering if there are any dos and donts when it comes to using these wicked inks. Or any reference sites to help me hone my skills.

Thanks Luke

[CCThrom]

DO experiment with different paper surfaces.
DO work with split quill nibs and brushes.
DO experiment with anything you can think of to make marks with.
DONT try to put that stuff into a technical pen or fountain pen.
DO work with the best brush you can find/afford.
DONT get ink into the brush ferrule, and DO clean your brushes well after use.
DONT use a brush that's had ink in it for watercolors.
DO buy more than one holder & nib at a time.
DO try diluting ink with water to see how you like ink wash.
DO be careful about smudging still-wet ink with your hand. (very frustrating to get a big smudge on a nice drawing)
DO find a copy of JA Smith's "The Pen and Ink Book"
DONT be afraid to get your fingers dirty.
DO keep your cats out of it.

Should be a good list to start with... oh yeah, DO have fun.

[Luke25]

Thanks for taking the time out to reply mate. Been having fun with my ink. Will have to post some samples of what I have done so far.

Take it easy. Luke