An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium comprises ink transporting roll for transporting a fluid ink, energy applying element for selectively applying energy to the ink transported by the ink transporting roll, transfer member for transferring to the recording medium the ink whose transfer characteristics are changed upon selectively application of the energy and coating member disposed in an upstream of the energy applying element with respect to a transporting direction of the ink transporting roll so as to oppose the ink transporting roll, for supplying the ink having a predetermined thickness to the ink transporting roll. A distance between the ink transporting roll and the coating member is gradually reduced from the upstream to a downstream.