Pen and Ink Drawing: Dive in the Deep End!
Try a few different approaches. Try pure contour drawing with interesting and elegant line. Try hatching and stippling to give the impression of tonal value, or add an ink or watercolor wash. Its important to start off with the right equipment - a fountain pen generally won't do the job so choose the right drawing pen. If you're using a dip-pen, you'll need to select and maintain your pen nibs.
I like to draw with fiber tip archival pens - Pigma Micron are nice, as are Copic Multiliners, and there's a dozen other reputable brands around. Look for ones with archival pigment ink if you want your work to have longevity. They don't have the interesting and varied line of a dip pen, but they are clean and convenient. The ones I use the most are probably the Artline brand - they're available at our local newsagent, so I always have a few to hand so that I don't end up doodling in blue ballpoint or my daughter's glitter pink gel pen.
Comments
Helen, you’re such an encouragement! Fab, fab fab! You’re articles get the artist in me going and want to draw!
Thanks
Helen,
Thank you for this gentle kick start. I have been toying with the idea of pen and ink, have been carrying a sketchbook and using graphite pencil. I think I will give pen and ink a go… thank you for all you do.
Trish
just finished doing three examples of ‘life srawing’ techniques using a pen, though I don’t believe in the stay inside the lines concept, so much.
posted on youtube, they are:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atDdVYZpFXs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwzhFrzDd0w
and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKrnMrhzB2k
Helen, Your excellent suggestion reminds me of a DVD (I rented from Netflix) called “The mystery of Picasso” that was enchanting and inspiring to watch. The viewer feels like he is looking over Picasso’s shoulder as he executes about twenty different drawings in black ink or in color inks. If you see the film, you will see the process better than I can explain it–the viewer is actually looking through from the other side of the “easel” — it’s all displayed at one point in the film, and it felt like time travel to watch this documentary from about 1959. One does not get a perfect idea of how long it took him to make the drawings, but they talk about it briefly…Renoir’s grandson was one of the makers of the film.
Thanks, Mike! That’s lovely to hear. I hope you’re having fun with your drawing!
Trish, do give it a try. It’s one of my favorite mediums. It can be quite inexpensive too. It -is- very different at first, so don’t be put off if you aren’t happy with your first attempts.
Beth, I’ve seen an excerpt of that video on YouTube. I’ll have to look for the DVD. It’s amazing to watch him draw - so totally casual and sure of himself. I’m so envious of his line. Maybe you need a touch of arrogance to draw well.
thanks this has been very helpfull to me