It’s been a while since I last visited DLS-CSB. I sat down at the famous Plaza V–think Boracay beach or other beaches that has huts. I sat on one of the huts and started reminiscing for a bit the good old times as a student when we were still doing our thesis in this very spot, telling stories and secrets and meeting new people.
I pull out my Derwent hardbound sketchbook and my Sakura Pigma Micron 3.0 Pen and started sketching the view in front of me. You might be wondering why I use a pen in sketching instead of pencil. I have longed challenged myself to use a pen in drawing (but too hesitant to try till now!) since I won’t feel the pressure of making a good drawing (by erasing a lot!) and wasting my time fussing about the little details. But pencils of course are the first tools in the art of making drawings and it’s great to note that it help in setting guiding points for perspective drawings.
I must say that I have surprised myself with this detailed sketch despite some misaligned perspectives. The pen in its simplest form actually made me confident. It actually conditioned my mind that mistakes are inevitable and that I have to just go with it and DRAW! I colored this piece when I got home using my Pebeo Watercolors. I finished painting before lunch.
Sketching on-location as I have mentioned in my previous posts trains the eye to observe the details and lights of our surroundings. It also help us to capture something as quickly as we can the beauty of nature, people, things, events on paper without owning a camera. I love the freedom that sketching brings to me that for a moment in time I am the only person in this world.
Michael Nobbs from Sustainably Creative states why he recommends drawing with a pen and not a pencil: The reason is simple, when you use a pencil the temptation is to always erase and redraw if you make a “mistake” (new drawers can often spend more time erasing than drawing!). With a pen there is little choice but to commit to every line you draw and accept every “mistake”.
Have you tried drawing with a pen yet? Happy Paint Party Friday!
A free ebook that helps you create expressive sketches of your life in pen and watercolor.
42 Responses
Tracey Fletcher King
I draw in pen a lot and it is for the exact reasons you have outlined… I actually find more than anything it helps me to focus and concentrate and be aware of the lines rather than just throw them down… you will be amazed at how quickly you will improve… this is a lovely sketch and I like how you have handled the plants and trunks… looks great xx
mandy at eight is enough
oh…how wondrful, a great memory is college!!!me too!!!!, but i have never gone back to sketch it…this is fabulous and you have inspired me to have a go at pen sketching…thanks…xxx
Sheri Cook
I would love to pick up your new mission of sketching on locations. You did a great job and I hope you will continue to pursue this form of expression. Happy PPF!
Nelly Eisenhower
I have to do this more often, well I have to do this period. It would be so fun to sit and sketch all the wonderful place that we go. It makes you really appreciate your surroundings. Beautiful! Happy PPF!
carlarey
Good for you stretching your art muscles! It’s amazing how exercises like this improve your eye and your drawing skills so quickly.
NatashaMay
I tried once drwing with a pen and I loved it. It’s scary but you end up surprising yourself how good the drawing comes out. :)
Carol
Well done ~ I have yet to ‘sketch’ outside ~ do love to sketch with pen ~ flows ~namaste, Carol (Share the Creative Journey) Happy PPF ^_^
EVA
A great exercise and it turned out very well. No – I haven’t tried drawing with a pen.
Love the plants!
pointypix
great post and so true – I am guilty of erasing pencil lines until I’m happy with something and yes, I guess with pen you would be more careful in the first place so you would definitely be more observant. i love the pinky wash in this illustration.
Gloria J Zucaro
A very interesting and good point about observation. I have no art background, and so in oil have only painted the outlines of things on my actual canvas panels. I think my New Years promise to myself should be to draw more and so to learn to “see”.
Mari
It`s a great sketch with pen, don`t worry because the perfect drawing, you`re good artist. Saludos
Mary C. Nasser
Very lovely.
Nicely done. :)
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Natasha
I always find that when I draw with pen I am more committed to the lines I put down. I know I can’t erase them and there is a certain boldness that comes into my observations when I know that whatever I put on the page will remain.
Julie
great job, very pretty!
steph
lovley sketches and I’m sure you’ll enjoy onsite sketching as much as I do…..happy weekend!!
gloria
Oh how I wish I could sketch on location too. I have no idea how to do that. It’s time to try it. Great job and like your thoughts. Take care.
Heather Foust
I every once and a while sketch with a pen. There are usually lines everywhere. You did a great job!! Good for you for stepping out of the box!
Pam
Beautiful sketch! I love the look of the pen and the watercolor together. I haven’t tried sketching with a pen but what you say makes sense! Makes me want to try. :)
Elisa Choi
Thank you Pam! Using a pen in drawing is a must try and often it is rewarding:)
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Heather! It feels good to step out of my comfort zone:)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Gloria. I hope you could try sketching on-location as it is so fun! Just grab a sketchbook and a pen or pencil and draw your view or whatever object infront of you:) Goodluck!
patsy
I always draw with a pencil first even if it is on my journal. I’m going to try drawing with a pen and see what comes out!!! Patsy from HeARTworks
Jen
Wonderful sketch. I will have to draw more with just pen. Maybe I use a pencil ALL the time due to fear of making a mistake! I will have to try. :)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Jen! That’s what I thought too. Drawing with a pen is very refreshing :)
Elisa Choi
I am looking forward for your pen adventure! Thanks Patsy!
Elisa Choi
I really enjoyed it steph! I will have to practice more. :)
Elisa Choi
Thanks a lot Julie!
Elisa Choi
Natasha, I love your words and I agree with every bit of it. Certainly true. :)
Elisa Choi
Thank you Mary!
Elisa Choi
Thank you Mari. You are so sweet! :)
Elisa Choi
What a wonderful resolution Gloria. I do not have art background too but what we have is creativity and I think that alone can bring us to where we want to be.. with our arts. :)
Elisa Choi
I think using a pencil is not bad especially since it help as a guide. But using the pen in drawing makes everything bold and the more we do it the less intimidating it is. :) Thanks a lot!
Elisa Choi
Thank you Eva! Try it sometime soon! :)
Elisa Choi
Thank you Carol! You should try it sometimes :)
Elisa Choi
Exactly! Thank you !
Elisa Choi
Yes and it’s very fun and rewarding! Thank you!
Elisa Choi
Exactly Nelly. I am trying to do a project where I will be sketching the places I go instead of capturing them with photos. :)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Sheri! You should try it and share your experience too. I would certainly continue this and practice more. :)
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Mandy! I am happy that this post has inspired you. Hope you would try your hands in sketching on-location. :)
Elisa Choi
Drawing with a pen drives a certain consciousness. A very rewarding experience. Thanks so much Tracey for sharing your experience and your appreciation. :)
laurie
your work is just amazing and i have just been looking at past posts, just beautiful, thankyou for visitrng me, and your kind comments,
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Laurie! I really appreciate your support!