Drawing the tattoos gave me fits, but I think it turned out ok. Feedback? Critiques??
Bic4 Ballpoint Pen, Sanrio Novelty 10 Colour Ballpoint Pen on Archival 8.5" x 11" paper. Model: Amy_D
The red Bic pen layer converted to black and white. Model: Imani
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Doodling around in my Moleskine.
2B Pencil, Soft Charcoal Pencil, Moleskine sketchbook.
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From 2021, Meadhbh massaging her neck after a long pose. Red Bic pen drawing converted to black and white in Photoshop.
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I’m often asked about my Bic pen drawings and how I do them. It starts with a good foundational drawing, the ballpoint pen part is just trying to colour within the lines. I try to do my best to explain the process, but the best way to show my progress is by posting my efforts to master pen drawings over the span of 3 or so years. I have been doodling/drawing with ballpoint pens as far back as I can remember - they were cheap, readily available and always lying around the house. It wasn’t until I was bored during a particularly long team meeting-conference call (around 2016-17) that I started to think about the possibilities of ballpoint pens as serious portrait illustration tools. My first experiments with full colour ink portrait drawings were rather crude, but that’s the point of learning new techniques—as long as the curiosity and the love of drawing is there, you can transfer that skill and passion into any medium. Remember, the most exquisite drawings and paintings you see didn’t materialise fully formed, they started out as failed experiments. Failure after failure after failure. It’s important to remember this when you get discouraged (I've failed spectacularly over the years). The only difference between the accomplished artist and the beginner is hundreds of hours of practice. Talent can only get you so far. It’s the hard work that you do behind the scenes that makes your work look effortless. Keep doodling. Keep learning. Stay curious.
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5 Comments
Bailey DeWolf (@SedonaEquineArt)
Great work! The tattoos came out really nicely, the feathers are the best
Joer_B (@JoerB)
@SedonaEquineArt Thank you! I was a little unsure about the tattoos as I wanted to do them justice.
Bailey DeWolf (@SedonaEquineArt)
@JoerB they look great. You have really mastered the ballpoint pen :)
Joer_B (@JoerB)
@SedonaEquineArt Thanks! Still learning the limitations.
PHILIP GRAY (@Blurhead)
Absolutely amazing technique with a ballpoint pen.