How to Create a Pen And Ink Drawing

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This type of art focuses on drawing skills, and as such takes time in learning the basics of illustration. Color is secondary to form in a pen and ink drawing, and simply reinforces and fills out the inked in portion of the work. Simply put, you really need to know how to draw to pull off this type of art.

Drawing

A student artist will probably draw long before he ever takes brush in hand. A pencil and a notepad are all that is needed to practice and develop this skill. There are many fine books and magazines devoted to drawing, as well as countless web pages and articles.

Once a student has developed a little self-confidence in creating a pleasing drawing, he is most anxious to embellish it in some way. That is usually color. To keep things simple and inexpensive, the artist may choose to do pen and ink drawings and illuminate them with watercolor. Artists also use this technique to expand on ideas they have for future, more heroic works. However, a good pen and ink drawing can stand on it is own as a final output with no apologies needed.

Regardless of how competent the artist is, he will most likely begin the work with a light graphite sketch. Using a soft lead pencil will allow the artist to erase easily and will not engrave pencil marks into the relatively soft paper. The ink will completely cover the pencil marks and any graphite in the watercolor can be erased or will barely be noticeable.

Paper

The artist will use heavy watercolor stock for this type of creation. A paper with little or no tooth is preferable if the drawing will be delicate or detailed, as rough tooth paper will limit the control the artist has over the ink.

Likewise, the paper should be thick enough to stand up to the water that ...

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...strong-penned drawing can handle bright tones. If the artist has developed a delicate drawing, small touches of bright color is ample, and should be primarily lighter tones to accent the composition.

The student may choose to use dry brush technique for this type of painting, if there are small areas that call for a textured, wispy look.

However, if there are large areas that require the paper be wetted with water before painting, care should be taken that the paper is thick, watercolor stock. Ripples in paper too thin for watercolor is not considered texture.

This technique is a great way to expand and refine a student’s sketching skills, and may possibly be considered as preliminary for more detailed or larger paintings. A good watercolor pen and ink drawing also stands on its own as a work of art, which an aspiring artist can certainly show with pride.

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