Drawing with Pen 101: Creating Shape with Value and Texture

Grab your favorite pen, some paper, sit back, and get ready to unlock the magical universe of Pen Drawing! I will be your guide, using the natural world to teach you pen techniques, value, and texture - giving you the tools to share your personal and wonderful creativity with the world!  

Pen drawing, and the skills covered in this class, have been at the core of my creative career. Art supplies can be very expensive, so learning how to master the most accessible (and cheap) art tools: pen and pencil, became the building blocks for my creative work. 

In order to learn how to master pen drawing I will use one of my favorite subjects: the natural world!  Pen is such a versatile tool of expression! You only need a few techniques to help you create a range of textures. In this class, we’ll be covering feathers, fur, and scales!

You will learn how to: 

• pick the best types of pens and brands to use for any project
• do hatching, cross hatching +  stippling 
• create feathers, fur, smooth + scaly textures
• use reference photos
• translate an image into value and texture
• create proportionate outlines, 

And as a bonus, how to:

• pair pen drawing with other mediums
• translate these techniques onto a digital platform like Adobe Fresco

This class is for beginners and intermediate drawers who want to dive deep into the incredible world of pen drawing. Whatever your experience level, by the end of this class, you will be empowered to create something you can be proud of! 

Learning how to draw with pen opens the door to a creative universe that can be unlocked almost anywhere that you find yourself. Pen and these techniques work well as a stand-alone art form, but are especially exciting because they can be used in combination with a whole host of other mediums as well!

I know you will love it. I can’t wait to see what you bring to life! 

Say Hello/Check Out My Work: 

• Sarah's website

• Sarah's Instagram

** All music is original and written + recorded by John Mark Nelson**

• Introduction
• Your Class Project
• Understanding Pen
• Creating Confident Lines
• Hatching
• Cross Hatching
• Stippling
• Using Reference Photos
• Texture: Fur
• Textures: Feathers
• Textures: Scales
• Creating Proportionate Outlines
• Adding Texture
• Adding Other Mediums
• Digital Pen
• Final Thoughts
• BONUS: Inktober Galapagos Penguin Time-lapse