About Mastering Ink Drawing Techniques with Robert Wilson
Enjoy Plein Air Ink Drawing on the beautiful hillside of Fruitlands Museum, overlooking Mt. Wachusett and the Monadnock Mountain Range.
Robert’s signature style is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of nature’s complexities. He employs a variety of ink techniques,from stippling to fluid washes, to emulate the diverse elements of nature. Each piece is a labor of love. In a world where the digital often overshadows the physical, Robert’s art is a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the timeless beauty that surrounds us. His ink tales of nature are more than just art; they are an invitation to pause, reflect and reconnect with the earth.
SUPPLY LIST
1- Quality white drawing paper 5×7 or 8×10 inches. Bring multiple sheets or a pad to work on. Mixed media or Bristol paper are very good.
2- If you have loose sheets of paper, bring a stiff board to draw on.
3- A black ultra fine pen. Sharpie has a good ultra fine pen. I usually use a .03 Micron black pen.
4- A pencil, eraser and sharpener. A comfy chair to sit on outside is always nice.
STEP BY STEP LESSON PLAN – A THREE HOUR DRAWING CLASS
Ink drawing holds a unique place in the world of art. Its distinct style and unforgiving medium can produce striking works that range from the simplest to complex compositions. Whether you’re a budding artist or an experienced illustrator, mastering ink drawing techniques is a valuable skill that can enhance your artistic repertoire. This three hour ink drawing class will examine the joy and beauty of ink drawing.
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF LINE ART – FIRST HOUR Before diving into the practical aspects of ink drawing. It’s crucial to understand the foundational element of line art. Lines are the building blocks of any ink drawing, and they can vary greatly in width, direction, and texture. We will practice drawing lines that show value and texture in gestural and contour styles.
1- Value and Grayscale: Since the ink is only one color, black, value is created by lines that are closer or further apart. We will create a grayscale from light to dark using vertical lines.
2- Different line types: Lines can go in all directions. The direction of a line can determine different planes in your drawing. Curved lines show form, especially if a shape is rounded like a cone. One of the most powerful lines is the Implied Line. This line only suggests a line to your eye.
3- Texture: Texture is created in many different ways such as stippling, and geometric and organic shapes like on the bark on a tree. Texture is usually seen in the shadows and darker areas of the drawing.
4- Ink Wash: When your drawing is completed, diluted ink or watercolor can be added to create a wash effect to your drawing. This technique is great for adding a further range of tones to your drawing. We will draw all these lines so you can become familiar with them.
BEGINNING AND COMPLETING YOUR DRAWING – LAST TWO HOURS
Sketching your composition – Start by using a light pencil sketch to outline your composition. This will serve as a roadmap for your ink drawing and help ensure that the proportions and placement of elements are to your liking before committing to ink. Applying the ink – Once your pencil sketch is complete, begin inking over your lines. Start with the elements you feel most comfortable about to get into the rhythm of using the ink pen. Final touches – Review your drawing and add any final details or corrections. Erase all pencil lines. Finally, ink drawing is a skill that requires patience and practice. By experimenting more with ink drawing you will soon discover you can take minimal supplies with you anywhere, in any season, to draw with; which is one more benefit of ink drawing. Remember to enjoy the process and the unique qualities that ink drawing has to offer.
Register
