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Inks
Ink has been used in painting for over two thousand years. Chinese brush painting became prominent as early as the first century along with the invention of paper beginning a long, rich painting tradition. Ink was originally in the form of sticks, still in use today in Chinese brush painting and Japanese Sumi-e painting. The stick is rubbed on a stone with water to develop a deep black ink. The painting involves very quick practiced strokes to represent a specific symbolic subjects.
Inks were widely used as a drawing and painting medium for centuries. In the 9th century, the Book of Kells was illuminated with colored inks; artists during the Renaissance regularly sketched with ink washes and pens.
More modern inks come in a wide range of colors and can be water, shellac or alcohol based. As colored inks are made with dyes, they are not lightfast and should be protected. Ink is also often used in mxed media pieces due to its vibrance and versatility.
Xu Beihong, Qi Baishi; Grazing Horse; 1932; ink on paper; "Xu Beihong and Qi Baishi: Grazing Horse" (1986.267.192) In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1986.267.192. (October 2006)
Gerrit Pietersz; The Adoration of the Shepherds; 1599; pen and brown ink, brownish-red wash, heightened with white gouache
Anonymous, French; Scene at a Fair: A Peep Show; 18th century; pen and brown ink, brush and brown ink wash
The above images are in the public domain.
Some sites with information about inks:
Top Tips for Painting with Ink
Sumi Painting
Monica Moody: Supplies for Alcohol Ink Painting
Some artists of the past who worked with inks:
China Online: Ni Zan
China Online: Guo Xi
Chinese Paintings
About Medieval Manuscripts
Book of Kells
Some contemporary artists who use inks:
The Metropolitan Museum: Ink Art
Ink Painting
Wu Guanzhong
George Boorujy
Gao Xingjian
Misha Bittleston
Chinese Brush Painting Society
Sumi-e Society