UNORTHODOX WASHES: SQUID INK NOIR

UNORTHODOX WASHES — Session II: Squid Ink Noir is your invitation into the dark side of the series, where your medium behaves like a living shadow. Squid ink gives you velvety blacks, blue-black sheen, dramatic blooms, and razor-sharp edges, depending on how you dilute, load, and move the brush.

This is a paint-n-sip style night with real technique behind it. You’ll learn how to create high-contrast atmosphere, control diffusion, and build depth with layered washes. The results feel bold, cinematic, and a little dangerous in the best way.

What you’ll do

• Create a finished noir piece (or a strong hero study + exploratory sheets)
• Learn dilution control to shift from smoke-gray to deep black
• Explore wet-on-wet “plume” effects, pooling, and edge discipline
• Practice expressive mark-making that looks intentional, not accidental
• Leave with repeatable techniques you can apply to ink wash, illustration, and mixed media

What’s included

• All materials and supplies (paper, brushes, palettes, squid ink media, and specialty tools)
• Guided instruction + walk-around coaching
• Wine, light hors d’oeuvres, and Romolo’s chocolates
• A relaxed atmosphere that still respects the craft

Who it’s for
Beginners welcome. Artists and illustrators will love this one if you’re into graphic contrast, ink wash, calligraphy energy, or moody compositions. No pressure to “draw perfectly,” but you’ll learn how to make bold marks behave.

Dates & times: Jun 11 at 6:30 PM (2 hours +)
Location: Erie Labor Temple
Hosted by No Such Animal Studios in partnership with PH’KAKi Creative Studios + Erie Labor Temple

UNORTHODOX WASHES is a five-session arc built for people who want a creative night out that’s half studio, half social—and fully about making work you can’t get from ordinary paint. Each session explores a different natural medium with its own personality, and then the finale brings everything together.

The arc

• Session I: Coffee Washes
• Session II: Squid Ink Noir
• Session III: Wine Stains & Oxidation
• Session IV: Walnut Ink Studies
• Session V: The Unorthodox Lab — Finale Mixed Media Open Studio (mix and match everything)

Each session stands alone, but the full series is designed to build skill and confidence step-by-step—so by the finale, you’re mixing media with intention, not guessing.

Want the full 5-part arc and save?
Grab the Series Pass here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unorthodox-washes-season-1-series-pass-all-5-sessions-tickets-1984724174433

Tickets

• Individual tickets per session
• Couples tickets (2 people)
• Series Pass options available (best value + best experience)

If you want a weeknight experience that feels like a date night and a real workshop—with great materials, good atmosphere, and results you’ll actually want to keep—this series is built for you.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Erie Labor Temple