ImagineFX_Issue_150_August_2017

Mark variation can be achieved in

different ways, and each has its own

character, shape and story

5 mix anD maTch yOur marks

Variety is the spice of art! It’s a simple concept. If I treat the

entire sketch in the same way, why should anyone want to look

beyond the face? Granted, there may be some compelling

storytelling, but ideally the marks will help that story and the

viewers’ eyes to move across the page.

Mark variation can be achieved in different ways. With a

pencil I will change up my grip from laying it flat to holding it

tip down. With pens, and pencils actually, I’ll think about the

different marks I can make if I vary the pressure and speed and

length. Each mark has its own character, shape and story.

c

markers

I love adding markers to pen sketches,

as either colour or tone accents. Here I’ve

added some skin art to her, a hint of rosy

blushes in areas and some shadows. I keep

the markers simple and let the visceral

nature of the brush pen’s lines sing.

B

Detailing with a gel pen

A gel pen like a Hi-Tec-C or a Slicci will

give a great uniform line. I’ll also use this for

the main line work if I don’t pick up the

brush pen. But here I’m simply using it to

add a little spice to the lines and pull out

little details in a way the brush pen can’t.

a

The versatile brush pen

I can use this for the main lines, and

just for accents. Here it’s doing the heavy

lifting in the line work. I’m simply modifying

the marks shown in tip five, squashing or

stretching them, and varying the speed to

keep the marks wet or make them dry.

6 enhance your sketches with new tools

Switching up or mixing tools will bring in some flair to sketches, or add some refreshment to a stagnating imagination

swallow

in flight

tiger’s claw

panther stalks

her prey

the cat

scratches

Breath of fire

dragon flies

in winter

crane in

the reeds

leaf on

the wind

lizard drags

his tail

72 August 2017

Workshops