With a frenzy of cross hatches, random lines, ink washes, or stippling and the proper pen, you can make anything come to life against bright white paper. So grab your pen and paper and have fun exploring the world of pen sketching. You never know what you may end up creating.
Here are some of the most popular techniques to send you on your way to a ink drawing that is full of depth and contrast, whether you’re drawing the detailed wings of a butterfly or the soft feathers of a magical bird in flight.
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Stippling
This one takes a little patience and a lot of dots. Stippling is achieved by making an infinite amount of dots along your drawing to add value and depth. The heavier the value, the more dots you’ll need to place closely to each other. To achieve a lighter value apply less dots to the page with more space between each dot.
Hatching
Instead of dots, this technique is all about parallel lines. Draw lines in the same direction to achieve the proper affect. Like stippling, lines placed closely together will create heavier value. Lines that are placed with more distance in between create lighter value.
Cross Hatching
Cross Hatching is similar to hatching except that lines are allowed to cross each other. Create more hatches for greater value and less hatches for lighter value. Hatches can be accomplished with tight straight lines, or with loosely defined hatches.
Random Lines
You can get crazy with your drawing by becoming completely random in the way your lines flow to add value. As long as you stay true to the principle of more in areas that need heavy value, and less and further apart in areas with lighter value, you’ll achieve the desired effect.
Ink Wash
Ink wash is similar to watercolor techniques, but with ink instead of paint. The value is determined by the amount of water you add to the ink. The ink is applied to the surface by a brush, just like in watercolor.
Pre-Drawing
Especially helpful for those new to ink-drawing, sketching out your idea in pencil first will allow you to go over only the lines you want to keep in pen. Once the ink is dry, you can erase your pencil lines and enjoy your final product — graphite free.
Loose Pen Hold
If you’re looking to make your drawings a little more whimsical, try loosening the hold on your pen, or holding it closer to the end. You should notice a more fluid nature in your lines that adds movement to your overall sketch.
Smudging
To make areas within the drawing softer, try smudging fresh ink with a little water on your fingertip. You may be able to create the softness and shadowing you’re looking for while creating a fun and unique effect to your sketch.
Using Dried Out Pens
Don’t get frustrated anymore when the lids get left off the markers. You can use pens and markers that are almost dried out to create beautiful, soft effects on your picture.
Changing Up The Pen
Different pens and markers can be used in a variety of ways to create a fun, creative drawing. Choose the finest tip pens for the most detail. Try using washable markers for heavier value regions. And, add punches of color in just the right spot with colored gel or ink pens.
There are no rules in creating satisfying ink sketches. They can be as detailed or abstract as you want them to be. Follow recommended techniques or explore for yourself. Just remember to have fun while doing so.
