Learn how to use a fountain pen, a brush and some water to create an urban sketch. This is a great way to learn the techniques of line and wash by using just a single colour. Fountain pens are a great tool for sketching. It lets you be very expressive and create characteristic lines on paper.

Why Take This Class?

Easy line and wash for beginners: If you are new to line and wash, the best way is to paint with just one colour. Sometimes we get so carried away with looking at the colours, that we almost forget to look at the simple shapes, the light and the shadows in a scene. This is what creates depth to your sketch or make it 'pop'. Using just one colour lets you concentrate more on these elements that makes your drawing a success !
Explore using fountain pens: New to using fountain pens? Don't worry! In this class we will practice using fountain pens, right from filling ink to the different ways you can hold them. Practice helps to feel more comfortable using them. Once you are confident, it opens up a lot of ways you can use them. In this class we will explore what happens when we introduce water to water soluble fountain pen inks.
Effective sketching with the simplest tools: Start this class with the simplest tools like paper, fountain pen, a brush and water.
Use these materials and techniques for your daily/ quick sketching practice: Sketching is an exercise that teaches us how to look and draw like a pro. Practicing everyday (even if it is for 10) min is the best way to feel more confident in your skills. Most of the time, we are let down by the space taken up by our materials and time it takes to prepare and organise. By using just a pen and a sketchbook to practice, you can save on all that pain of prepping. It is also so easy to take your sketchbook and a pen where ever you go. Through this class I hope yo inspire you to sketch with just a pen.

What Will I Learn:

How to use a fountain pen to sketch
Use a brush and some water to create a line and wash by activating the fountain pen ink
Techniques of drawing: using simple shapes, different types of lines, shading for light and shadow
Perspective: How to make your drawing appear 3D
Create a composition from the reference picture

This class is for absolute beginners and all sketching enthusiasts who'd like to explore new and simple ways of sketching that inspires you to practice regularly. You do not need any knowledge about sketching or about using pens as we will go through it from scratch.

A note to left handers:

I am a left-hander and I have enjoyed using ink pens and fountain pens to sketch. I understand if you are not a fan of fountain pens. As a left-hander, fountain pens may not have been the best way to write. This is because it is easy to smudge the ink when we write from left to right, messing up what was written. Sketching is nothing like writing! Here you have the freedom to hold and use the pen in anyway you like. You can also sketch from right to left to avoid smudging the ink.

Suggested Materials

Paper: any sketchbook/ cartridge paper/ mixed media paper/watercolour paper that can take a quick wash with water.
Fountain pen/ roller ball pens with a water-soluble ink. Biro/ waterproof inks are not great for this project. However, if you are using a waterproof pen, you can use 1 colour of watercolour for your wash.
1 round/ flat brush, depending on your personal comfort
1 jar of water
pencil & eraser
ruler/ the side of a book to draw lines (optional)
hair dryer (if you are in a hurry)

Frank Bloos

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