How to Draw With Pen and Pencils
- 1). Study the subject. Look at the angles, variations in light and darkness and shadows. Analyzing the subject thoroughly is just as important as actually putting the drawing implement to paper. Familiarizing oneself with the model to be drawn makes it easier for the artist to draw more fluidly. It is comparable to studying for a test; in order to do well, the material must be embedded in the brain. After a few minutes, the next step is ready to be taken.
- 2). Determine where to begin. Once the subject is familiar to the memory, determine what type of paper is appropriate. There are textured and smooth canvases. Decide which surface will do the subject justice. Then it is imperative to choose which direction you will go in terms of actual drawing tools. Pen should be used if the subject has a variation of lines or noticeable dots. Pen art is more challenging than pencil because the shading involved requires more patience and technical abilities. Also, pen is permanent, and any mistake may severely alter the picture negatively. When using pencil, it is easier to vary the darkness and luminescence of the image by applying the appropriate pressure when drawing.
- 3). Draw the outline. This can be a very basic outline that just shows the general shape of the subject. Draw in key lines very lightly; you can always darken them after you finish shading.
- 4). Shade your work. When using pen, instead of going back with a shading tool once a section is complete, drawing lines or dots closer together or far apart, will determine the darkness of the image. The further apart lines are, the lighter the image will appear. Hence, the closer together they are, the darker the section will be. Shading while pencil drawing requires an extra implement. The smudging tool used to shade will greatly alter the image and affect the final outcome. There is an array of choices like paper, pads, tissue and more. Use the characteristics of the drawing to determine which should be used. Things like the texture of the canvas and desired darkness should affect the decision.
- 5). Enhance your lines. Add further details and darken any lines that were originally too light. Check your work for any final corrections or touch-ups.