Walnut Ink is a finely pigmented, water-based ink made from walnut husks for drawing, painting and lettering. The sepia tone is fade-resistant and handles like a transparent watercolor with good layering and lifting capabilities in darker washes. Lightfast, non-acidic and low-staining, Walnut Ink also adds warmth and historical character when painting over sketches done in permanent black ink.
I’m doing a little DANIEL SMITH Walnut Ink deep dive to document all the ways I love it. I originally picked up walnut ink because it reminded me of my Granny, and it has become the art supply I use most.
Walnut ink is a beautiful brown with a perfect personality. The closest watercolor color match is Enviro-friendly Brown Oxide. The closest watercolor character match, transparent and non-granulating, in the brown family is Permanent Brown. Sure, I can mix to match, but any match has its own chemistry and, therefore, its own distinct behavior in water.
I use walnut ink straight from the bottle, let it sit out to concentrate and darken, add water to dilute it, and even let it dry and grind it up to toss tiny particles into wet watercolor for texture.
Mark making, sketching, sketch and wash, mixing with watercolor, even mixing with gouache.
Walnut ink is my close-to-the-heart go-to.
I keep coming back to DANIEL SMITH Walnut Ink.
For another great article about Loel’s use of Walnut Ink, click HERE!
About Loel Kathmann
Loel Kathmann is a self-taught artist living in Washington State. She is known for creating ethereal layers—especially in her transparent florals—her use of rich textures, and her love of Walnut Ink.
Loel’s heart lies in telling stories through color and abstract forms. For example, her Pacific Northwest raindrop series was born from the idea that beauty is present—even during and after loss. Her watercolor on suminagashi pieces are about capturing an irreproducible moment in time and embracing that moment through color. Loel’s favorite subject is abstract florals, a focus inspired by the lessons flowers teach: they embrace the moment, fragile and transient; some wisely curl up at night to rest; others follow the light throughout the day. Her favorite floral trait is that many plants bloom under stress. She loves this idea of survival hinting at desperation, so she infuses many of her florals with a delicate balance of struggle and strength.
A scientist by training, Loel’s technical background is reflected in her work through a deep appreciation for pigment chemistry, an affinity for experimental techniques, and close attention to detail. She finds calm with a brush in her hand, fulfillment in feeding her craving to learn, and joy in connecting with artists who share her watercolor passion.
