I’ve always been impressed by the fresh and crisp look of a well executed pen and ink. Artist who  master this type of art, whether they use crosshatching, dots, horizontal or vertical, continuous line or curved strokes, or a combination of any and all of these, should feel a fascinating sense of accomplishment.

However, whether one uses pen, ink, paint, charcoal, or graphite pencil, there is hardly any art more beautiful than pure dark strokes against a white substrate. Of course, this is only my opinion. It doesn’t take but a simple kit of supplies – paper (or selected substrate), ink, pen, pencil, charcoal stick, perhaps lampblack paint and brush, and a little motivation to pull off a very intriguing and entertaining piece of art.

The ability to draw is a definite plus for any artist that uses paint as a medium. No matter what the composition of the work, whether it is a landscape or a portrait, the ability to sketch it using black on white helps to determine the values. This helps when understanding contrasting values. The artist will feel much more comfortable and confident when finishing the work in color.

My advice to all artists is to have a sketch pad and pencil within arms reach. There are times that I see something that inspires me, and I pull the car off the road and immediately begin to sketch it. It may be something I wish to draw with graphite pencil as a completed work; but there are times I feel it would make a better watercolor or acrylic painting.

Even if I decide to paint my sketches (which usually are hen-scratches), I take the time to make a good graphite drawing that especially works out values for me.

The loose sketch of street venders in Miami is a watercolor I am presently in the process of painting. I was not interested in getting anything more than composition in this hen scratching when I sketched it. However, the hard work began with several more thumbnail sketches trying to get the composition the way I wanted it. When I made my final decision, I drew a full size (16″X22″) drawing. To find more information on my progress of this painting in progress, click on the past posts a few posts back and see more detail about it.

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