The Complete Book of Drawing Techniques

164

CORRECTION

Before correction fluids and pen became
widely available on the market it was very
difficult to correct a pen, brush, and ink
drawing. One used a Chinese white, which
was zinc white prepared paint that was
painted over the offending area. However,
the stain from the ink would often keep
showing through. You could also remove the
mistake from the paper by using a razor
blade or a pumice stone. One could only use
this method if the paper was durable
enough. However we thankfully have
modern correction fluids and pens that will
cover the strongest of marks without any
problems, and they are permanent. The pen
can be used to cover very intricate work and
as a drawing instrument in its own right. The
applicator can be used to cover very large
areas where radical changes are needed in a
drawing.

THREE TYPES OF DRAWING WITH INK

Bleach wash drawings Some very

interesting results can be achieved by using

fountain pen ink. You must first stretch the

paper on which you are about to do the

drawing, then cover the whole surface with a

liberal coating of ink. Allow this to dry. You

can now paint different solutions of bleach

onto this surface. An important point to

remember is that the stronger the bleach the

lighter the areas will become. Before

embarking on this technique, you should

make some practice drawings to experience

the unusual effect first-hand. For examples

of this type of drawing, see page 199.

WARNING: Please remember the health and

safety aspects when using chemicals: always

read and follow the guidelines for use.

Pen, brush and ink drawingsFor this

type of drawing you should first draw the

composition out very lightly with pencil.

Make the appropriate marks to describe the

scene and then correct any mistakes. If you

are happy with this initial drawing, go over

these marks using your dip pen. Always try to

recreate the varied use of mark already

there, then proceed to go over the drawing

with washes to give it its tonal base.

Pen, ink, brush and correction

materialsAs in the previous section we are

going to use correction materials as a

positive element alongside the other

materials.

Part Three – PENS, INK, BRUSHES and PAPER