fluffy friend and brush pen tips

This is one of my recent evening brush pen sketches. In art school I was incredibly uncomfortable with the brush pen – it was a challenge. After years of practice drawing WITHOUT it I have a much better feel for it. Why? Because I have put in hours and hours of drawing time to understand form, shape and my own limitations (which are many). I start with a loose drawing in color pencil (usually whichever pencil is closest and sharpened, in this case it’s orange) and after I have the sketch, I bring out the brush pen. I ink over the lines as confidently as possible. The most important piece of this, which I didn’t understand before, is to commit. Once I put the ink down I cannot go back. I must be sure. I try not to lift the pen, to make solid, fluid lines. Some artists remain sketchy and loose at the ink stage, which is achieves another lovely look. I like the clear, solid lines so I attempt that. My favorite part of the process are the accents that appear due to the brush and paper texture. When I push down to make a thicker line, or pull back for a thinner line, the organic cracking and grain is so visually pleasing! I have more brush pen sketches on my Facebook page ^_^ Have a happy Friday!