I use a small detail brush for all the fine detail. You also have to get all the values right, because they are black and white. It’s permanent once it’s on the paper, so there is no room for error. You cannot make any mistakes with India ink. What are the difficulties of working with ink? It works well with my application, so I don’t question how it’s made. I purchase bottled India ink of a high quality. How is India ink manufactured today, and do you think the “modern” methods add or detract from your finished work? The values have to be spot on, or the piece doesn’t work.Įarly India or “Chinese” ink was a mix of glue, charred bones, and lampblack or soot. It’s different and my technique isn’t like any other. I like working in a medium that isn’t flooded with artists. Mine are often inaccurately called pen and inks, but I tell people that the only pen I use on my paintings is when I sign my name. Not many people work in ink and very few using it as a wash. It lends itself well to contrast and detail. My mother introduced me to India ink in the form of ink washes. How did you come about making the artistic choice for this medium?
In the past it has often associated with tattoos. India ink is an old, but somewhat unusual art form today. I approach my art as a gift from God and I feel that I must develop and diligently refine as long as I can paint and create.“ The suffering and sorrow made me see things more in depth and gave me better perception. “We had a long struggle of dealing with their disease, which sidetracked me for years from doing my painting. Two of her sons were hemophiliacs who died during the AIDS epidemic, when they were infected with HIV from blood products during the 1980’s.
I love dramatic light and shadow, which renders itself so well with the black and white India ink.”ĭarlene’s life has been fraught with struggles and pain. "I started out painting in oils and then started specializing in India ink washes. “We live near two Indian Reservations and are surrounded by their culture. Darlene started painting Native Americans shortly after the family moved to Bigfork, Montana, 45 years ago. Darlene does mostly portraiture, whether it’s Native Americans or a grandchild. “There wasn’t a time that I didn’t have a pencil in my hand sketching and drawing people’s portraits.” There was never a question that her life’s work would be art. She drew and painted western art from a very young age. Darlene was the daughter of accomplished artist Merle Olson and grew up in a home surrounded by good art.
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