I have no artistic inclinations. So, I have no personal experience here.

But I know a group of seniors who do ink based art. Drawings/paintings. Calligraphy (using brushes instead of pens). And such.

They use ink where I think they grind charcoal(?) and mix w/ water to make the ink. Apparently the air is dry here and so it presents challenges for the ink (dries to quickly, ratio with water changes quickly - ink too thick, etc).

Does anybody else do this kind of stuff? How do you make the ink last longer (if the above makes sense) so that it doesn't thicken / dry out so quickly?

They make mediums that make paint last longer...acrylics are notorious for drying quickly. No idea if they are compatible with ink. Naturally, you can keep adding water, but the pigment will eventually become lighter.

https://www.dickblick.com/cate...d%20Flow%20Enhancers

Interesting. Thanks. I'll look into it more. I guess one thing is that the ink shouldn't take longer to dry once on paper. The density of the ink shouldn't change either (no changes to spread characteristics). Seems like this is something that may happen w/ acrylic mediums.

Maybe there is a way to materially increase the localized humidity around the ink stone / well.

True inks are made from lamp black.
Yes, the soot from burning oil.
Acetylene makes wonderfully fine particles and you mix the soot with varnish and a thinner. It's called pigment, vehicle and reducer.

I had to make my own inks while in art school as a part of my graphics degree.

I would imagine that the target of the ink (paper, wood, etc.) would make a huge difference in how fast it dries, and maybe even mandate the carrier (water, alcohol, gelatin, etc.) used to transfer the pigment.

There are dozens, maybe even hundreds or thousands of ink formulations on Amazon last I looked, many specifically targeted to calligraphy.

Thanks.

They have the ink and paper they want to use. Just looking to make it last longer - not dry so quickly in the 'well' and keep the right consistency (not too thick).

quote:

Originally posted by Mars_Attacks:
True inks are made from lamp black.
Yes, the soot from burning oil.
.

There is a really neat YouTube video about this process in Japan to make high-dollar calligraphy ink sticks.

EDIT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSuFSYY-X9w

I think those are the type of ink sticks being used here. Not that premium or expensive but that type.

So is this a class in Asian style ink-painting? I used to do Japanese sumi-e. The ink is prepared by rubbing the ink stick on a well-stone with water.

Yes. And shodo. Sumi-e ink and specific types of washi.

Any tips for keeping the ink from drying out / getting too thick while using it? Especially if you want to take a short break?

You could search the us patent data for insights using keywords like ink, dries out, etc. Most often everything you have ever thought of doing is in either an application or a granted patent.

I don't recall ever running into issues with the ink drying too quickly. I don't think there's a standard fix, but off the top of my head, things to possibly try:

1. Use cold water to mix the ink. Cold water is slower to evaporate.

2. Set up a room humidifier where the class is held. Can be had for under $50.

No idea how to even start searching patent data but you're probably right. unless it's artisan ip.

Hmm, cold water is interesting but wouldn't last the duration of the session. Maybe adding a hermetically sealed cold pack?

Thought about humidifier but it was underdesirable. And it may take ink on washi longer to dry (and the washi itself may not like it - although japan is naturally more humid than here). I was thinking about a localized humidifier (like putting the ink well into a large-ish plexiglass box w/ a humidity source).

Or maybe multiple ink wells - switch to another inkwell and make new ink if the one in use gets too thick / dry.