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Brilliant Inks: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating in Vivid Color - Draw, Paint, Print, and More! (Volume 7)

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Discover a world filled with vibrant color and creative possibilities as you explore an array of painting, drawing, printing, and lettering techniques and styles using vivid colors of artist’s ink.

In Brilliant Inks, artist, illustrator, and top Skillshare teacher Anna Sokolova shares her own unique methods that get the most out of this versatile medium. With her guidance, create beginner-friendly florals and foliage, animals, still lifes, figures and portraits, and hand lettering.

Learn about the various types of inks and the best tools and surfaces to use with them. Then, try basic techniques such as color mixing, creating visual texture, negative painting, and splattering.

Work with a variety of brushes, dip pens, and droppers to get different looks, and see how adding common household supplies such as salt and bleach can create the most amazing effects.

Use these methods in lessons designed to improve skills and boost confidence. Be inspired to make projects such as a bracelet, paper art dolls, a tote bag, and a decorated book. Full instructions and templates make projects fun and stress free.

This incredible material offers so much that’s waiting to be discovered:
Vivid monotypes made in minutes using a combination of painting and printmaking methods
Custom palettes created with unique blended colors
Watercolor-like translucent washes and opaque silhouettes
Techniques for creating beautiful motifs using simple brushstrokes and patterns.
Begin your colorful journey today with Brilliant Inks and see how far your creativity can go!

Perfect for all skill levels, the books in the Art for Modern Makers series take a fun, practical approach to learning about and working with paints and other art mediums to create beautiful DIY projects and crafts.

128 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2022

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25 people want to read

About the author

Anna Sokolova

1 book5 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Reading_ Tamishly.
5,309 reviews3,477 followers
June 10, 2022
My imagination-came-true kind of watercolor guidebook!

I don't know how the team did it but this book is everything for someone who loves watercolor art.

Every page is worth swooning upon. The presentation of each page is what surprised me. The inclusion of real pictures of the colours and the basic art of each style described are the highlights for me.

The tips and the tricks given really work well when I tried them on my journal while reading the book. The types of brush to be used are described well.

Keep this book with you. It will become quite handy and useful while you're planning a project or just to design your journal/diary entries.

Worth it.

Thank you, Quarto Publishing Group - Quarry, for the advance review copy.
Profile Image for Alicia Bayer.
Author 10 books252 followers
June 22, 2022
This is a lovely guide to using inks in all kinds of creative ways. I personally was not a big fan of the color choices or styles, but that's just my aesthetic. I absolutely love vivid colors but many of these just seemed to sort of clash, and the art style was just a little off for me. Art is very personal though, and the book is still brimming with ideas, inspiration and information. There are many full color photos and a range of projects to emulate such as a bird, flowers and patterns.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
Profile Image for Emma book blogger  Fitzgerald.
640 reviews23 followers
June 11, 2022
This is a lovely watercolour book and watercolour pictures are beautiful. I love how there are templates at the back you can use . Brilliant inks shows you how to watercolour mushrooms, flowers and many more. It’s handy book that you can keep going back to.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book
Profile Image for Tasha.
481 reviews15 followers
June 28, 2022
Thank you #NetGalley, #QyarryBooks for letting me read #BrilliantInks by #AnnaSokolova.

This book gives you a lot of guidance when learning about using ink to make art. It is filled with art techniques as well as examples on what your projects could look like. There are step by step illustrations that go with each lesson. All from nature, animals, fashion and portraits, just to name a few.
Profile Image for Shilo Quetchenbach.
1,787 reviews65 followers
June 22, 2022
This book showcased a variety of techniques for working with inks, but especially highlighted ways to simplify a piece while still retaining the essence of the subject. This is a very useful skill, especially when working small and with delicate media. It also stressed the importance of color palettes and ways to combine color most effectively in an ink piece.

I wasn't terribly interested in recreating most of the projects, but they did inspire me to think of other uses for each technique - many of which I had previously been unfamiliar with - so I definitely feel like it was a useful book for me.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Quarry Books for providing an e-arc for review.
Profile Image for Anna Udalova.
1 review3 followers
July 7, 2022
This book is delightful! I really loved the artist's style, the colors, and all the ideas and inspiration the book is giving you. Plus, it's choke full of useful information, tips, techniques, and exercises. Never knew inks could be so versatile and interesting to work with. If you ever wondered what to do with all those pretty ink bottles beckoning you from the store shelves, look no further.
Profile Image for Justin and Irina  Trzaskos.
1 review5 followers
July 19, 2022
To me, the most interesting part of the process is the way the artist thinks, and this is exactly what Anna is sharing with us in her book, besides all the secrets and in-depth techniques on how to use the inks as a brilliant media. Reading this book, feel like having a conversation with a brilliant artist. The book walks you through the types of inks, brushes and tools you will need and at the same time it encourages you to "cherish your individuality". Step-by-step art and craft projects are so inspiring and exciting to try. I wish there were more books like this. Thank you for a brilliant book!
Profile Image for Annie.
4,738 reviews88 followers
June 29, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Brilliant Inks is a colorful well written tutorial guide for artists by Anna Sokolova in the Art for Modern Makers series. Due out 5th July 2022 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is such a colorfully inspiring and useful book. All of the pages are enhanced with gorgeously rendered botanicals, butterflies, and nature scenes. The author has an informal writing style that is encouraging and never intimidating. It reads like a well written masterclass one-on-one. The books chapters are arranged thematically with later techniques building on earlier lessons. She begins with the absolute basics; introducing tools and supplies, inks, paper, etc. I liked that she doesn't push one particular brand or specific equipment (brand labels are figleafed in the photos). She's fairly specific about which *types* of inks give specific results, but she also encourages readers to experiment and discover and innovate on their own as well.

The tutorial chapters are full of clear color step-by-step photos. I appreciate that the photography stylist was clearly good at their job and the photos are easy to decipher, without hands or other items in the way of the action. The range of the tutorials is impressive and the author has included some really beautiful portraiture here which will keep artists of -all- levels of expertise challenged and learning. Her use of negative space, shading, and light effects is masterful.

Five stars. This is one for the artist's home studio library reference shelf. It would also make a superlative choice for public or school library acquisition, makers' spaces, and similar.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Profile Image for Mechthild.
389 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2022
Do You want to discover inks?
"Brilliant Inks. A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating in Vivid Color - Draw, Paint, Print, and More!" was created by Anna Sokolova and published by Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry.
The book is divided into seven parts: 1) All Things Color Ink, 2) Basic Techniques and Beyond, 3) Florals and Nature, 4) Animals and Birds, 5) Figures, Portraits, and Fashion, 6) Still Life, and 7) Projects. I really appreciate that Sokolova presents the different kinds of inks and list also the materials used for her lessons. Sokolova states: "I hope this book inspires you to try new things and discover what you love. If drawing fine lines doesn’t make you feel comfortable (even after lots and lots of practice), have no fear! There are tons of art styles and mediums to help you express yourself even better, more suitable to your character and personality, like bold and loose abstraction, collage, printing, lettering, photography, bookbinding, crafting, creative writing, or digital painting" (p. 8). This book focuses on the creative use of colored inks. It helps artists to explore a variety of materials and techniques that will help them to get familiar with the medium and bring their ideas to life. The artists can draw flowers and birds that are inspired by the natural world and then move on to people and objects (p. 9).
The book has a great design, comes with tips throughout the book, offers templates (sadly they cannot be downloaded), resources and an index. I recommend this book for beginners and advanced artists who are interested in using inks as a means in their art.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#BrilliantInks #Netgalley
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,106 reviews36 followers
June 30, 2022
Beautifully illustrated, informative and inspiring, Brilliant Inks is an organized guide to mastering the art of painting with colored ink. Whether you plan to use a brush or a pen, all the techniques you need to know are included. I like the exercises suggested so you can see and feel how different strokes result in different effects. Lessons follow: birds, butterflies, flowers, leaves, designs and more. Finally, there are projects. With detailed instructions, Sokolova shows how to create a cuff bracelet, make a horse sculpture, decorate a tote, and create an accordion book.

Brilliant Inks is a joy to read with painting that fly off the page with their vibrant colors. Anna Sokolova has also included an invaluable list of resources: her online classes, online art communities and a link to copyright free photos. Enjoy! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Quarto Publishing Group and Anna Sokolova for this ARC.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
206 reviews28 followers
April 17, 2024
Anna's work is beautiful. Let me just say that first. Her color sense and technique set her apart in the best possible way.

That said, I think this book was far too generic for how much she has to offer. Honestly, you could swap in any water-based media (watercolor, gouache, even water-soluble pencils with some tweaking) and get the same thing out of it as you would coming into it with inks. On one hand, this is a good thing -- it means the lessons are accessible to a wider range of artists. On the other, if you're looking for ink specific techniques and information, you'll probably be just a smidge disappointed. That info's been watered down (no pun intended) and edited into a homogenous middle ground applicable to all.

But like I said, Anna's work is fantastic, and as inspiration, this book's spot-on.
Profile Image for Nataliia Andrianova.
1 review
July 11, 2022
What an amazing thing - I would never have even thought that you can draw with ink!
Well, i.e. I imagine some geometric shapes that can be obtained with a fountain pen, but this!

This book is a very detailed instruction and a pleasant acquaintance with the beautiful ink world!
You will receive a comprehensive description of the types of inks, tools for working with them (a description of brushes, for example). And most importantly - detailed examples of the use of specific materials for completely different work options. Plants and animals, figures and people, food... All this can be drawn with ink and amazingly beautiful! You can even make clay figurines and color them in, or make your bag unique by embellishing it with your creativity. Everything you may need will be described in detail! Also for those who, like me, are afraid to create something of their own, there are templates at the end that can be used to first painting attempt.

I don't know what experienced INKers will say, but I am amazed at how extensive this work is and how easily, as a good friend, Anna introduces me to this wonderful world ruled by Ink!
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,577 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2022
Brilliant Inks is a breathtaking book filled with well written tutorials. The pictures were excellent and the instructions were easy to follow. I highly suggest this book. it would make an awesome gift for any artist interested in trying inks.
Profile Image for Andrea Smith.
381 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2022
Brilliant Inks by Anna Sokolova
5 Stars

I was excited to hear that Anna has a new book out. I've taken a few classes from the artist & illustrator, Anna Sokolova, on Skillshare. Her flowers and adorable animals are my favorite. I'm impressed with her stress-free teaching style. If you make a mistake, try again.

Brilliant Inks is a vibrant book with beautiful ink illustrations. There are step-by-step directions with picture instructions from cover-to-cover. Even the warm-up exercises are visually appeasing.

This book covers a wide variety of information, in bite-sized pieces, that didn't overwhelm me. Anna covers different types of inks, color theory, gradients and ink washes. She shows us how to mix colors, what paper use, and has a brushes and tools section that covers why each item is needed. The warm-up exercises were relaxing and art projects were achievable. I'm not so sure I could create a mandala. The tips were helpful, and I loved the reference pictures that were included in the back of the book.

All in all, Brilliant Inks delivered and I'm inspired to start trying a few new techniques. I'd recommend this book for creative people wanting to improve their inking game.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed about an Anna Sokolova multimedia book using watercolors and inks together. 😊

Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
140 reviews
July 12, 2022
This is a beautiful book with step by step and illustrations that guide your process. The pictures are done in a way that is easy to follow and makes you feel like you can get into an art project no matter what your skill level. The templates at the end of the book were helpful and definitely inspiring to the reader!
Profile Image for Kate.
1,134 reviews44 followers
June 19, 2022
This beautiful book has step by step instructions and pictures that really simplify the how to for the reader. The book would be best suited for those who draw well but would like to learn how to paint their creations, since the author does start with a sketch base. However, a traced drawing would work as well if the reader is a true beginner. The projects are lovely and the whole book is so pretty!
Profile Image for Samantha  Hehr.
322 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2022
A whimsical guide to all sorts of inks, and the different ways an artist can use them. Does not touch on the trending use of alcohol inks, which is a little disappointing.
Profile Image for Ashley {_xamountofbooks}.
822 reviews24 followers
July 6, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

This was a fun read! Covered a number of techniques and tutorials. Makes me want to buy some ink and start experimenting.
1 review
July 3, 2022
A magical journey into the world of artistic fantasy!
Anna's book is really inspiring, and not only from the point of view of the drawing process itself, but it so many ways! I adore all these details and gem-like color combinations.. my most favorite artist and illustrator!
It’s hapiness to go through such a path together, through the whole book.
945 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2022
Beautiful book, such lovely images, that I can’t wait to try to recreate.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Andrea Smith.
381 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2022
Brilliant Inks by Anna Sokolova 5 Stars I was excited to hear that Anna has a new book out. I've taken a few classes from the artist & illustrator, Anna Sokolova, on Skillshare. Her flowers and adorable animals are my favorite. I'm impressed with her stress-free teaching style. If you make a mistake, try again. Brilliant Inks is a vibrant book with beautiful ink illustrations. There are step-by-step directions with picture instructions from cover-to-cover. Even the warm-up exercises are visually appeasing. This book covers a wide variety of information, in bite-sized pieces, that didn't overwhelm me. Anna covers different types of inks, color theory, gradients and ink washes. She shows us how to mix colors, what paper use, and has a brushes and tools section that covers why each item is needed. The warm-up exercises were relaxing and art projects were achievable. I'm not so sure I could create a mandala. The tips were helpful, and I loved the reference pictures that were included in the back of the book. All in all, Brilliant Inks delivered and I'm inspired to start trying a few new techniques. I'd recommend this book for creative people wanting to improve their inking game. I'm keeping my fingers crossed about an Anna Sokolova multimedia book using watercolors and inks together. 😊 Thank you, NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group, for providing me with a digital ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Courtney R..
108 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2023
"Brilliant Inks: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating in Vivid Color" by Anna Sokolova is a visually stunning and informative guide for artists looking to explore the world of vibrant inks. Sokolova's expertise and passion for working with color shine through in this well-structured book. With clear instructions and vivid illustrations, she offers readers a comprehensive journey into the art of using inks to create striking and colorful works of art.

One of the book's notable strengths is its emphasis on technique. Sokolova provides detailed step-by-step instructions for various ink applications, from washes and gradients to intricate detailing. Her guidance is clear and concise, making it accessible to artists of different skill levels. The inclusion of practical exercises allows readers to practice and refine their skills, ensuring they can confidently apply the techniques in their own artwork.

The visuals in "Brilliant Inks" are a true highlight. Sokolova's artwork is vibrant and captivating, showcasing the potential of using inks to create vivid and dynamic pieces. Her illustrations serve as both inspiration and instruction, allowing readers to see the techniques in action. Additionally, the book's layout and design are well-executed, making it easy to follow along and refer back to specific sections.

While the book provides a thorough exploration of working with inks, some readers may have appreciated a more in-depth discussion on color theory and the psychology of color. Additionally, a broader range of artistic styles and approaches would have added even more diversity to the techniques covered. Nonetheless, "Brilliant Inks" is a valuable resource for artists interested in expanding their creative horizons with the use of vibrant inks. Anna Sokolova's expertise and passion for the subject make this book an excellent addition to any artist's library.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2 reviews
November 15, 2022
If you only think of ink drawings as black and white or monochrome you need to read this book!
It is not only packed with tons of beautiful, inspirational illustrations by the award-winning artist but includes invaluable practical information needed if you want to create artwork using this medium.
I purchased Anna’s book after taking several of her classes on Skillshare. When I heard that she published this book, I knew I have to add it to my library.
As a predominantly watercolour artist, I never thought I could paint with inks in a similar way. After discussing different types of inks, brushes and papers used when working with ink the author covers the warm-up exercises, colour theory, and basic techniques, but the book goes far beyond just that. After explaining the basics in the first two chapters of the book, there are the following sections that focus on different types of visuals: “Florals and nature”, “Animals and birds”, “Figures, portraits and fashion” and “Still Life”.
Each chapter covers three projects with varying degrees of complexity starting from the beginner level to more advanced. What I particularly like are the tips included in every project.
An extra chapter called “Projects” takes your ink skills to the next level. The projects in this section show how creators can apply ink to creations made with clay and cork.
At the end of the book, Anna included templates, which are sketches she used to produce artwork in this beautiful book. They are ready for you to use and try the ink techniques without having to worry about drawing first.
I believe this book is valuable not only for beginners but also for intermediate and professional artists looking to expand their skills and learn from the ink master.
I know I will be referring to this book when I use ink in my work and I highly recommend it to all my artistic friends.
Profile Image for Debbie.
3,640 reviews88 followers
September 2, 2022
"Brilliant Inks" is an art instruction book on using inks, mainly with brushes. The author started by describing the different types of ink (acrylic, alcohol, etc.) and some tips about using them. She also talked about other materials (paper, brushes, ink droppers, dip pens, markers, etc.) and briefly covered basic concepts like color mixing. She then described some techniques for using inks (washes, spattering, etc.) and included step-by-step exercises for several of these techniques. She then had exercises that combined these skills, with step-by-step instructions and illustrations on how to paint a rose, mushrooms, butterfly, stylized bird, red panda, distant people, portrait, fashion figure, map, pomegranate, and dessert. She then had step-by-step directions for making several crafts: a cork bracelet, clay horse, alcohol ink "tie-dyed" tote, and accordion book of illustrations.

I've been painting with watercolors for years, so it was easy for me to understand her instructions as there were many similarities. She only briefly talked about alcohol ink markers, and she didn't seem to have the same problems with using them that I do so she didn't include tips that would help improve my results. However, I did find the ink selection and techniques part useful to help me use inks in my own painting projects. Overall, I'd recommend this resource to artists interested in painting with inks.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Alex Izmestyev.
1 review
July 12, 2022
When I opened and flipped through the first pages of this book, I seem to have forgotten all the worries of everyday life and, like Alice, I found myself in a Wonderland full of bright and magical colors. Literally in one breath, I read all 128 pages. The book has the only negative - it has few pages, I wanted to read more and more without stopping, to admire the magnificent illustrations, more and more plunging into the world of brilliant inks.
The book contains a lot of practical advices and will be interesting and useful for both experienced professionals and novice artists. For me, it was a surprise how widely ink can be used to create completely different objects of art and everyday life: bracelets, sculptures, bags, and even entire craft books.
The author scrupulously describes the process of creating works on various topics, gives step-by-step instructions useful for beginners. In the book you will find descriptions of different types of ink, brushes, tips on choosing paper. The author will tell and give examples of basic techniques, define all the terms, describe step by step all the steps to create your future masterpiece.
The main thing that this book gave me is inspiration and great motivation to create something with my own hands. So I won't waste any more time and run to the art store to buy some ink.
2 reviews
August 17, 2022
Browsing through the 100s of art books on various mediums, it’s difficult to decide what to purchase. Look no further and Add to Cart immediately to purchase Anna’s very first book ! Anna has now provided an extension of her creative soul in this stunning book. Anna is a consistently Top Rated Teacher on Skillshare to 1000s of students. She is a classically trained fine artist and illustrator living in Berlin. I purchased 2 copies of Brilliant Inks- one to treasure and one to use as a workbook. It’s 128 pages of artistic Magic. There are 7 Chapters: All Things Colored Ink; Basic Techniques and Beyond; Florals and Nature; Animals and Birds; Figures, Portraits and Fashion; Still Life; And Projects.
Everything is laid out for you in simple steps with beautiful illustrations and examples. This book would be perfect for the complete beginner to working with inks and for the experienced artist looking for new inspiration. Published by Quarto, this book is printed on high quality smooth finished paper and the color illustrations are rich and vibrant. Purchase this book, maybe even 2, so you can enjoy hours of exploring inking with Anna to create beautiful artwork of your own. HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!
Profile Image for Alicia .
151 reviews24 followers
January 15, 2023
Oh I love how many different techniques are explained in this book! You get enough information about ink types and their qualities (acrylic, shellac, Chinese, Indian, alcohol inks, etc), different tools and materials and of course all the different techniques you need to know to get creative with your inks.

As most step by step guides, each exercise comes with several images and detailed instructions. There is a section with templates you can copy and follow along the lessons if you don't feel confident enough to draw something different. You can pick from one or all of the themes included in this book: nature, figures and portraits, still life and craft projects.

Recommended for those who want to start arting with inks or those who already do but want to explore new techniques and projects.
Profile Image for Kalwynah S..
2 reviews
December 14, 2022
As I long-time admirer of Anna’s work, I was thrilled to see she authored a book on one of my favorite art mediums; inks. She of course, didn’t disappoint. This book is full of fabulously beautiful examples of her uniquely creative style and techniques, guiding the reader step-by-step in easy to follow exercises with her own touch of tips and tricks. I love this book and will return to it as I already have for continued inspiration. It’s the book that keeps on giving. I would highly recommend this book for artists at any level who are curious about the many ways of creating beautiful art with Brilliant Inks.
Profile Image for Agnes Preszler.
165 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2022
Very informative and beatiful book about ink painting, introduces to the materials, techniques, gives basic color theory notions and includes exercises.
Much of this is applicable to watercolor, but I have not found any confrontatiion between the two mediums, In my opinion it should be useful to know why and when use inks instead of watercolor or eventually how to combine them, Beside working on watercolor paper there are step by step tutorials for decorating objects (cork bracelet and clay sclupture),
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,754 reviews33 followers
August 11, 2022
This book tries to be a nice compendium of working with various inks and how to make art your own. I wanted to look at the samples and maybe how they artist made their shapes. It was very informative, bright, colorful, and good information, especially if you have not worked in inks before. It was easy to understand so overall it works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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