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| Pen drawing by Olive Allen. |
"To render in pen and ink a large and important drawing is no small accomplishment. Usually years of experience are necessary before one can successfully undertake such drawings. Now and then a student is to be found having talent to the extent that the attainment of this skill seems a very easy matter, but in general this talent is comparatively rare. Ninety-five out of every hundred have a long task ahead before success is possible. This difficulty of attainment, however, makes the accomplishment all the more valuable. No one would expect to learn engraving on wood in a few brief lessons, and yet in pen and ink rendering difficulties are to be met not unlike those connected with engraving.
But there are many things concerning pen and ink work which can be readily learned; they are worth the trouble and the labor expended, and may prove useful. A consideration of these will, in any case, introduce the art and serve also as a good foundation for further pursuit of the subject if desired." Grego
Below I will link to our pen practice sheets; each posting will always include both a digital tracing sheet plus the original pen drawing from which the tracing was made. Students may use the original pen drawing to serve as a guide while learning to make texture with a wide variety of marks.
In the beginning, the novice student usually prefers to copy the original work. As his or her technique becomes more precise and self-assured, instructors will find that personal taste and vision will begin to influence alternative interpretations of each student's drawing. This natural, creative progression should be encouraged as the student's skills mature.
- The Old Warrior
- The Child Fairy
- Bright Eyes
- Little Milksops
Excellent video tutorials for learning to draw with pen and ink for mature audiences:
