Continuing our new series of articles exploring the
fundamental materials of drawing, JAKE SPICER turns his
attention to ballpoint, felt-tip, fineliner and fountain pens- PENS
T
his month’s article will focus on
portable pens that draw from
an internal reservoir of ink, in
contrast to dip pens and brushes that
require a separate pot of ink, which we
will tackle separately next month.
There are a huge range of writing
and drawing pens available, with one
quality in common – the shared
language of line. Pens are inclined
towards linear marks, so whether you
are drawing from observation (with thepen charting the journey of your eye
around a subject) or from imagination
(with the pens line allowing you to
weave your thoughts into visual
imagery), it is a linear language
you’ll be using.
Over the next few pages you’ll fi nd
an overview of common pen types and
some exercises you can attempt to
help you explore the range of mark-
making possibilities.
http://www.jakespicerart.co.ukDRAWING MATERIALSTop tip
A fountain pen
can be used to draw
a fi ner line when it is
turned and held
upside down