Friday, 18 July 2025

Friday Face OFF -- Ida B. Wells

For this week's Friday Face OFF link party
of art featuring faces, hosted by Nicole of

This portrait is another one of
my quick freehand sketches
done directly in water soluble ink
and then painted via ink wash.


Ida B. Wells (1862 - 1931) was an American
investigative journalist, sociologist, educator, and
early leader in the civil rights movement.

Her most famous work exposed the
horrors of lynching in the American South
as a tool of racist terrorism.

She was one of the founders of the National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

37 comments:

Yorkshire Pudding said...

I bow my head in honour of Ida B. Wells. The colour wash technique you used here was both effective and interesting. I must make a picture to post on my blog really soon. You are inspirational Debra!

Tom said...

...and she should be taught in schools today!

Gene Black said...

Great ink drawing.

Bob said...

I recognized her instantly. Lovely job.

sirkkis said...

She looks the resolute woman,
and your artwork is excellent to tell that👍🏼🎭

Mistress Maddie said...

I agree with Bob. I recognize your immediately from Pride and Black history. Very well done.

My name is Erika. said...

I'm glad to learn something new (Who Ida Wells was) and also to admire your fantastic ink wash face. It's beautifully done.

Sixpence Notthewiser said...

Very good likeness!
I was reading about her just this week cause it was her bday. People must know more about her contributions to society, really.

XOXO

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You are an amazing artist. Your drawing is commendable. Your art could be in a gallery. You captured Ida Wells' likeness perfectly.

an artist reflects said...

magnificent portrait art work ~ wow!

Thanks for commenting on my new blog an artist reflects ~ hugs

Cleora Borealis said...

😊 It is a very good portrait. It is not easy to capture the weight of the world in her eyes, but you did it! 🫡

whkattk said...

I wonder if the character on The Gilded Age is based on her....

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ whkattk -- I don't watch that series so I don't know. Perhaps someone reading these comments might be able to answer?

Marie Smith said...

Ida is an inspiration. Great drawing.

Kirk said...

I've seen photos of her and that's a pretty good likeness.

Christine said...

Very good

Mike said...

Nice. But I think you could do a bigger one... second picture ... https://msmagazine.com/2020/08/17/we-heart-ida-b-wells-suffragists-to-be-honored-in-photo-mosaic-at-d-c-s-union-station/

DB Stewart said...

I recognized her immediately too. Which reminds me...I need to read her biography.

This N That said...

Incredible drawing Deb. Wonderful eyes.... I am not familiar with that technique. Something to learn?

DVArtist said...

I typed in Ida's name so I could see what she looked like. Well gurl you really captured her. Well done. Thank you for sharing her with FFO and have a fabulous weekend.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Mike -- That mosaic mural of her is FANTASTIC! Thanks for the link!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ This N That -- It's a simple and fun technique. When you draw the line art in water soluble ink (as opposed to permanent ink), you can then use a paintbrush and water to draw an ink wash out of the lines to paint the portrait further. For the super dark areas (like her hair and necklace), I used ink directly from a bottle of soluble ink to supplement the ink wash. It's easy-peasy, give it a try -- works great with any subject matter, portraits, landscapes, florals, etc.

Parnassus said...

Hello Debra, Your sketch of Ida B. Wells is remarkable. You really captured the way the eyes and mouth work together to portray that combined look of sadness and determination.
--Jim

ArcticFox said...

great drawing..... happy fri-yay! have a good weekend

Mary Kirkland said...

That came out so good.

CAAC said...

Fabulous job, Debra! Have a funtastic weekend!

Katerinas Blog said...

I recently learned about Ida Wells!!!
She is a source of inspiration...
Nice sketch Debra!!

angela said...

Wow. What a fantastic drawing of a great lady

Carola Bartz said...

This is a remarkable portrait. Your technique sounds interesting and not difficult according to your description. Did you use just regular fountain pen ink?

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Carola Bartz -- I used a Pilot brand Fineliner marker rather than a fountain pen. But the important thing is that the marker's or pen's ink must be water soluble, not permanent (water insoluble). The bottled fluid ink I used for the darkest parts was Higgins brand "Eternal" Ink, also water soluble.

Fundy Blue said...

Beautiful ink and wash portrait, Debra! It's hard to look at anything but her eyes. They are so compelling. Lynching, so horrible. I really believe I was hung in another life. Why I don't know, but it is a feeling I can't shake. I like this life! 😂. Happy weekend!

Elderberry-Rob said...

Interesting bit of history and very good ink work!

Iris Flavia said...

I agree with Tom, I´ve never heard of her. Great portrait, too.

Jeanie said...

I've seen many photos of Ida B Wells and you nailed it. Absolutely nailed it.

baili said...

Ida .B sounds an amazing and inspiring lady with exceptional skills dear Debra 👍🥰
Hats off to her greatness and dedication to rights of coloured people 👍🙏♥️
You draw her beautifully my very talented friend 👌🥰
Her ambition and grace is obvious on her elegant face 🥰👍
Hats off to you as well 🤗

e said...

An inspiration, a trailblazer, a hero.
During that convulsive period after the George Floyd tragedy a bunch of high schools in my city were renamed from old white men to a more diverse representation of our country's history. We now have an Ida B Wells high school. Better late than never...

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ e -- Perfect!