Few forms of art are as rewarding as pen and ink drawing. While it can be difficult to master, the range of work one can create is remarkable – everything from abstraction to photo realism. Pen and ink drawing is very similar to pencil drawing in that the use of line and technique is tightly related. One note of caution – India ink is permanent ink and can be very difficult to clean up. In the following paragraphs you’ll find an assortment of both traditional and modern pen and ink drawing techniques.
Sketching with Pen and Ink
Drawing with pen and ink works best with a more relaxed approach. This is especially true when using a nib pen since it’s so unpredictable. Be sure to put enough ink in a small jar for dipping so you don’t have to deal with a pen-holder and end up dripping ink everywhere. For starters you may want to try doing some really small images first. Also consider outlining a scene in pen and ink or try a more value-based approach and draw the darks and textures, as opposed to defining outlines. When selecting paper remember that fine nib tends to catch on the rough surface of a stechpad.
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Basic Pen Strokes for Ink Drawing – creating the illusion of value
The most basic way to create value in ink is via linear hatching. This consists of fine parallel lines that fill in an area and give the perception of value. Crosshatching relies on layers of hatching placed at an angle. Contour hatching on the other hand is hatching at a right angle, which creates diamond shaped fragments of white. Scumbling uses layers of small calligraphic marks to build value and texture in the ink.
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