For this week's Friday Face OFF link party
of art featuring faces, hosted by Nicole of
DVArtist, Art, Food, Gardening blog . . .
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).
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!
ReplyDelete...and she should be taught in schools today!
ReplyDeleteGreat ink drawing.
ReplyDeleteI recognized her instantly. Lovely job.
ReplyDeleteShe looks the resolute woman,
ReplyDeleteand your artwork is excellent to tell that👍🏼🎭
I agree with Bob. I recognize your immediately from Pride and Black history. Very well done.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to learn something new (Who Ida Wells was) and also to admire your fantastic ink wash face. It's beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteVery good likeness!
ReplyDeleteI was reading about her just this week cause it was her bday. People must know more about her contributions to society, really.
XOXO
You are an amazing artist. Your drawing is commendable. Your art could be in a gallery. You captured Ida Wells' likeness perfectly.
ReplyDeletemagnificent portrait art work ~ wow!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting on my new blog an artist reflects ~ hugs
😊 It is a very good portrait. It is not easy to capture the weight of the world in her eyes, but you did it! 🫡
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the character on The Gilded Age is based on her....
ReplyDelete@ whkattk -- I don't watch that series so I don't know. Perhaps someone reading these comments might be able to answer?
DeleteIda is an inspiration. Great drawing.
ReplyDeleteI've seen photos of her and that's a pretty good likeness.
ReplyDeleteVery good
ReplyDeleteNice. 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/
ReplyDelete@ Mike -- That mosaic mural of her is FANTASTIC! Thanks for the link!
DeleteI recognized her immediately too. Which reminds me...I need to read her biography.
ReplyDeleteIncredible drawing Deb. Wonderful eyes.... I am not familiar with that technique. Something to learn?
ReplyDelete@ 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.
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteHello 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.
ReplyDelete--Jim
great drawing..... happy fri-yay! have a good weekend
ReplyDeleteThat came out so good.
ReplyDeleteFabulous job, Debra! Have a funtastic weekend!
ReplyDeleteI recently learned about Ida Wells!!!
ReplyDeleteShe is a source of inspiration...
Nice sketch Debra!!
Wow. What a fantastic drawing of a great lady
ReplyDeleteThis is a remarkable portrait. Your technique sounds interesting and not difficult according to your description. Did you use just regular fountain pen ink?
ReplyDelete@ 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.
DeleteBeautiful 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!
ReplyDeleteInteresting bit of history and very good ink work!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tom, I´ve never heard of her. Great portrait, too.
ReplyDeleteI've seen many photos of Ida B Wells and you nailed it. Absolutely nailed it.
ReplyDeleteIda .B sounds an amazing and inspiring lady with exceptional skills dear Debra 👍🥰
ReplyDeleteHats 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 🤗
An inspiration, a trailblazer, a hero.
ReplyDeleteDuring 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...
@ e -- Perfect!
Delete