Wednesday 17 July 2019

Pen and Ink Sketches

In June, I took another art class, "Sketching in Pen and Ink," in which we learned various techniques. Here are my best results for each style.

"Chubby Bird"

This was drawn in permanent ink on paper, using the shading techniques of hatching, cross-hatching and scribbling. I believe this bird is some kind of warbler.


"Abandoned House"

This was produced using the same techniques. I must say, I enjoy scribbling trees. It took me 4 hours to complete this. I laboured mightily on it!


"Canvas Stretcher Pliers and Car Keys"

A different technique is to sketch with water soluble ink and then go over the drawing with a wet, blotted brush to create the shading.


"Baby Otter and Cuppa Joe"

I like this technique better than the last one. First, you sketch an object's outline lightly in pencil. Next, a water soluble ink wash is applied to create the shading. Once dry, you then add specific textures and details in permanent ink. It produces a "crisper" finished product, it seems to me.


Right now, I'm taking yet another class: "Sketching in Pen and Ink and Watercolour." The same basic ideas but with the added difficulty of watercolours thrown in. I'll post some results from this class probably in August or so.

[Photos taken by My Rare One, July 2019]

55 comments:

anne marie in philly said...

#1 & #2 are my faves. you have a talent, girl! can't wait to see what you do with watercolors!

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

You're very good! The house is especially well done - I'd frame that one!! -Jenn

LL Cool Joe said...

Love the house, and the scribbled trees. You are talented.

Miss Val's Creations said...

These are amazing Debra! The class has really paid off. The details on the bird are impressive. I look forward to seeing you pen and ink with watercolor work. That is one of my favorite styles of work. Now if only I could draw!

DEZMOND said...

Those are tres stunning, Debs! That ruined house would look lovely framed!

mxtodis123 said...

Wow, so talented. I love them all.

baili said...

such a precious post dear Debra!

thank you sooooo much for sharing your absolutely BEAUTIFUL art !

each one is TRULY MAGNIFICENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

your hard work brought some EXCELLENT results indeed

the abundant house ,the bird and third painting speak for your love and devotion for your hobby
I AM SOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!
keep the brilliant job up my friend!

Sixpence Notthewiser said...

Whoa
These are beauties. I’m especially fond of the bird. The abandoned house is fantastic, too.
I’d frame them and hang them up on my wall without a second thought.

XoXo

Sooo-this-is-me said...

I can see it now, one day Laurent or Richard will be posting about your work in a gallery somewhere! :D

Linda said...

Who knew? Great job! I am very fond of fat birds, so I especially like the first one but they are all a lot of fun.

Deedles said...

All the superlatives, girl! I especially like the abandoned house. I thru some colors on it in my mind, added birdsong, and now I live there in my head. Nice trick!

Kirk said...

Very good! I especially like the old house and pliers and keys.

bj said...

what amazing talent !!
i love the olden house...and i love pen and inks.

Rain said...

Your labour was WORTH IT!!! That house is FANTASTIC!!! That has to be my favourite of the set. Debra you have a great talent!!! :)

jimserrettstudio said...

Such nice work I am impressed, shows talent… did not know you had the drawing bug.

Leanna said...

My Gawd! Such talent. You have something you can do while being retired and earn extra money. Really you are very talented.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

did you realize you were this talented before you took these classes?

John M said...

You have talent.

Ol'Buzzard said...

Those are great. You are talented. If you ever do another contest they would be great prizes.
the Ol'Buzzard

Marie Smith said...

Great work, Debra. You are learning a lot!

^.^ said...

You are blessed with two awesome gifts, friend D … one obviously is producing exquisite art work, and the other is being able to tolerate instructions in order to produce this exquisite art work. I totally lack the latter. I was born that way … smiles. Much love, cat.

Susan said...

These are wonderful! I am so glad you are taking these classes (and sharing the results) - can't wait to see the next batch!

bobbie said...

I like them all, but the house really drew me in! Good job!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Everyone -- Thanks for your very kind words -- you are encouraging me!

@ jaz@octoberfarm -- Natural artistic talent runs in my father's side of the family. I drew constantly when I was a girl and teenager so yes, I knew I could draw. I never had any formal training, though, because my family could not afford lessons. Then when I was making good money, I didn't have the time to do art. But now I'm retired and finally have both time and resources to pursue art lessons. Another reason why I LOVE being retired.

Frank said...

Wow! Certainly not an amateur. I see a gallery opening son.

Magic Love Crow said...

Deb, from the bottom of my heart, you are amazing girl! Keep it going! You are a natural talent! Big Hugs!

J C said...

These are awesome. I love pen and ink drawings. I especially love the house and trees.

Rosemary said...

Very impressive Debra - you must be finding it very rewarding too.

Lady M said...

Yep it is a Black and White Warbler Mniotilta varia. Nice likeness. I hope you plan to continue as you have some talent.

Guillaume said...

I love these sketches. The house especially, for some reason. Nice and detailed.

brewella deville said...

With your wit and your drawing ability, it's a wonder you don't have your own comic strip.

Oh, oh, how about a regular "caption this drawing" feature on your blog? That would be so much fun.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Lady M -- You can recognize this bird from my drawing? Wow! Clearly, you are a birder. Thanks for the info -- I had no clue.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ brewella deville -- Hmmmm, you're giv'n me ideers.

Joanne Noragon said...

I agree with everything; you are a darn decent artist. Especially love the house and trees. Isn't it fascinating to learn the theory of so much of what you are doing, and no longer feeling like you're reinventing the wheel.

Bill Lisleman said...

Your talent is showing. Great work.

Adam said...

That's really good art.

Parnassus said...

Hello Debra, Your talent for drawing is really developing. All of these are frame-worthy, but my favorites are the abandoned house, and the otter, which while cute, looks feisty and very Canadian.
--Jim

Morgaine Pendragon said...

Well done!!
These are fabulous!

peppylady (Dora) said...

Hope to see more of your art work in future, well done.
Coffee is on

Comox Valley and beyond said...

You sure are talented good on you well done.

RO said...

Wow! Your artwork is pretty amazing! The best I can ever do would be stick figures.(lol) Hugs, RO

Moving with Mitchell said...

You have a gift. And how wonderful that you’re learning all these techniques!

This N That said...

Great job..you are very talented..Love the abandoned house..I would have to frame that one...Looking forward to seeing more..Keep taking those classes..probably fun?

e said...

I'm joining the chorus of 'Wows!' You have real talent, Debra!
Isn't retirement a wonderful thing... Cheers!

Rommy said...

These look terrific! I'm fond of the otter one. Too cute!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

This is pro level artwork! I especially like the crow.
You're a gifted lady.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

PS I mean warbler. =)

Barbara said...

Man. You are doing great. Seriously, I think this drawing will keep you busy and satisfied for a long time. I truly impressed.

yellowdoggranny said...

holyshit..you are so talented..these are wonderful..

DVArtist said...

Wow these are fantastic! Well done my friend.

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

They're all excellent but my favourite is definitely the bird's head. Beautifully done!

bella said...

Those are fantastic! I love pen and ink. I love the feel of the pen on the paper. It’s very satisfying. Can’t wait to see more!

Liz Hinds said...

Again, you are amazing! So talented. Do take a look at my blog and see my sand head ...

Jenn said...

Very cool!! I LOVE the Abandoned House one!

CraveCute said...

These are all wonderful! You are a true artist!