Silver Ink on Black Paper Packs a Punch

Summary

Celeste Wilson discusses the visual impact of using silver ink on black paper for artwork, inspired by Jillian Amatt's use of white gel pens, and shares her own experiences with this technique, including creating a tree mandala and a nature scene.

Abstract

The article "Silver Ink on Black Paper Packs a Punch" by Celeste Wilson explores the dramatic visual effect achieved by drawing with silver ink on black paper. Inspired by fellow artist Jillian Amatt, who uses white gel pens on black paper, Wilson experimented with a silver uni-ball gel impact pen due to the absence of white gel pens. Despite the textured surface of her 78 lb black craft paper, which resulted in a less smooth line, Wilson found that it added an appealing dimension to her tree mandala design. Encouraged by the success of her first attempt, she created another piece, a whimsical nature scene featuring a bird and a bug, which she felt demonstrated the power of a single color to create movement and depth without the need for shading or a defined light source. Wilson concludes by inviting readers to view more of her work on her YouTube channel, "Where I share my creativity."

Opinions

The author expresses admiration for the stark contrast and visual impact of silver and black in artwork.
Wilson is inspired by Jillian Amatt's impactful use of white gel pens on black paper, suggesting that the contrast between black and white contributes to the visual appeal.
Despite not having white gel pens, Wilson finds that a silver pen works just as well, indicating flexibility and adaptability in artistic methods.
The textured black paper is seen as an advantage rather than a hindrance, as it adds dimension to the artwork.
Wilson's enjoyment of the process is evident, as she emphasizes that "once is never enough," leading to the creation of additional pieces.
The author believes that even a single color (silver) can create a sense of movement and life in a drawing, exemplifying the simplicity yet effectiveness of the technique.
Wilson describes the experience as a "doodler’s paradise," suggesting that the technique is both enjoyable and rewarding for artists.

Silver Works Too

I didn’t have any white gel pens in my craft stash so I used a silver uni-ball gel impact 1.0 and it worked like a charm. My 78 lb black craft paper is a little textured and didn’t allow for a smooth line. In the end, I don’t mind it at all. I feel like it added a little dimension to the tree mandala design.

Let’s Go Nature

When you enjoy doing something, once is never enough. So, I had to try another idea. This whimsical nature scene drew itself and then a bird and a bug arrived.

Image by the author Celeste Wilson

It’s amazing that one color can evoke so much movement on a page. There is no shading, no shadows, and no light source. Just a bird and a bug and a bit of nature.

This is a doodler’s paradise.

Silver Ink on Black Paper Packs a Punch

I can’t believe I haven’t done more of these drawings. The stark contrast of silver and black allows the image to pop off the page.

Inspired by Jillian

Silver Works Too

Let’s Go Nature

Using White Ink on Black Paper

Trying a new type of drawing

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