When the brush touches the paper that is it. You cannot try again. Erase what you did. For people who are just starting out this can be very exciting and also a little scary. This feeling of being scared is not something you need to fix. It is actually what you are supposed to be learning. Learn more!

Ink painting is different from types of art because you cannot hide behind anything. If you are used to drawing with a pencil or using a computer you are probably used to being able to make mistakes and fix them. With ink painting you have to be careful because you cannot erase what you do. This can make you feel vulnerable. It is also where you start to really learn.

When you first start taking classes it can be a little crazy. Your brush might not do what you want it to. The ink might not mix right. You might try to draw something. It ends up looking like a mess. Your teacher will tell you to leave it like that and at first you might not understand why. Then you realize that they are right.

Ink is a material to work with but that is also what makes it so good for learning.

In art they think about empty space differently than we do in Western art. They think that empty space is not nothing but it can actually be a part of the picture. Sometimes it is better to use a few strokes to draw something instead of a lot. When students spend a time working on just one thing they often say that they feel more peaceful than they have in a long time. This is because they have to slow down and really think about what they’re doing.

Different classes might focus on things. Some classes might teach you about art, which is very simple and minimal. Other classes might teach you about art, which can be more complicated and use layers of ink. Some teachers might combine both styles. Encourage you to find your own way of drawing.

The kind of paper you use is also very important. If you use paper it might not work well with the ink and it can be frustrating. If you use good paper it can make a big difference. The same thing is true for brushes. If you use a brush it can help you draw what you want to draw.

The people who take these classes are often very different from each other. You might have professionals, retired people or someone who just saw a documentary about ink painting and wanted to try it. Everyone has reasons, for taking the class but most people leave with the same thing: patience.

Ink painting is not something you can rush. You have to take your time and really think about what you’re doing. This can be hard to learn. It is also very valuable.