DrawWithMike.net

This is a work in progress, but not sure I will finish it because I am using someone else's work to experiment with. I think I am liking ball point pens. They work a lot like pencils, except erasing is not possible. I tried. Perhaps it depends upon the type of paper. This is a cheap sketchbook. It's a crystal Bic pen, also cheap. I'm finding that this forces me to start light and to look harder for negative space. I need a little more practice! Any suggestions?

I really enjoy ink work and this is a great example. Definitely needs to be finished!

I used to work a lot in pen and ink using India ink which is permanent. Absolutely no erasing possible. Something that helped me was that I would very lightly give myself guidelines with a graphite pencil, especially in areas where the fur direction changed constantly, like on the sides of the cat’s nose here. Then I could more confidently ink that area. When the ink was completely dry, I could gently erase any graphite lines that still showed, using a kneadable eraser or BluTack.

Thanks so much for the helpful information!!! I am finding the ballpoint creates finer shading than a dip pen. I suppose I could get it with a technical pen, but fear that I would wear those expensive tips out quickly, but I may try it yet. Fineliners? Don't like the feel of felt dragging across the paper. This is definitely challenging!

I would love to see some of your work!

I learned using technical pens and India ink. I still think that gives the best results, but you do have to be conscientious about keeping your nibs clean. India ink contains shellac, which makes it very waterproof, but it can easily clog fine nibs.

I find that the Staedtler pigment liner works very well. I did this drawing using the 0.1 nib size.(I hope you don’t mind my posting it here). Everyone has their preferences. I think that you’re getting great results with a ballpoint pen!

Laurene, I absolutely love this image!!!! I might try my fine liners again, although I don't like the friction on the paper from them. I have technical pens (Koh-i-Nor and Alvin) from back in the day and they are such a pain to clean. That said, you inspired me and I will have to dig those out again. This is a magnificent cat. I am going to post a couple of images I did with the ballpoint and defnitely need some critique! Thanks so much for showing me this beautiful cat.

My cat and tulip look too scratchy and need some help!

I like your style! It depends what you’re after. I like drawing fur, but I often wish I could loosen up. Your cat is wonderful! I have no doubt you could add detail if and where you wanted it, but it definitely “reads” cat just as it is now!

If you like the style of my drawing, definitely look up Claudia Nice’s books. I’ve had two great teachers, one is Claudia and the other is Mike. Sadly, Claudia passed on a few years ago, but luckily we have her books to guide us, both in pen and ink and watercolour.