Set x6 Intensity Inks - Set 2

Inks for depth, not for coverage

Intensity is a range of translucent inks with a high proportion of pigment. Unlike an opaque paint they do not hide what is underneath - they strengthen it. A thin layer laid over a finished base deepens the shade, brings out the folds and the transitions, and at the same time lets the drawing of the relief show through.

Six shades of the second set

• Opulentus Black - a deep black for the darkest corners
• Sacra Purple - purple for the shadows of red and pink surfaces
• Tenebris Blue - a dark blue for metals and cool fabrics
• Gorgon Dark Green - a green for scales and foliage
• Walnut Brown - a walnut brown for wood and leather
• Sepia Vetus - an aged sepia for paper and old metal

They are most often used in three ways. First as a shade, where the ink runs into the recesses and brings out the shape. Second as a filter, where a very thin layer brings several different areas together under one tone. Third as a glaze over a light base, which gives the resulting color a richness that is hard to achieve with an opaque coat.

Practical notes

The binder is water-thinnable. The larger the area, the more carefully it is dosed - an excess of ink leaves a glossy patch and a dark edge once it has dried. It is a good idea to work in layers and let each one dry. The shades mix with one another and can also be thinned with an ordinary acrylic medium when a gentler transition is needed.