Friday, January 9, 2009

How to create a pen/ink/wash drawing 4

I have now added transparent washes of watercolour to the original drawing. These are done in successive layers with the previous one allowed to dry before the next is applied. This allows the luminosity and freshness of the watercolour to be retained. Having done this, I found that certain areas of the drawing had to be strengthened with pen/ink. e.g. the figures, the shadows under the eaves, the chimney stacks against the sky.




Pen/ink/wash is a marvellous medium for sketching en plein air. Few materials are required to be transported and one can sit quite unobtrusively drawing away without the usual crowds the sight of an easel can attract. It is ideal for rapid sketches, but its intricacy and detail can also be used to great effect in more highly finished work.

5 TOP DRAWING AND PAINTING TIPS
Vary the thickness of one’s line.
When cross hatching , change the angle of the pen stroke very gradually.
Never cross hatch at right angles.
Try to keep the watercolour washes fresh.
Use transparent rather than opaque colours.

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