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The best drawing pen?
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Message
Posted
I like pen and ink drawing. I'm heavy handed, by which I mean I press too hard on the nib or point. When I try a lighter touch, the line is indecisive or wobbly. Mostly I can get away with 05 size pens and above, which seem to survive my drawing style. But I prefer to use 01 or 02 for shading etc. Recently I found an illustrator whose work I admired, he used UNI-PIN waterproof drawing pens exclusively. I bought a pack of ten 01 uni-pins, and another pack in a variety of sizes. With rapid regularity I proceeded to break every 01 size point, I didn't manage to complete a single drawing with the same pen. I fared no better with the 02 and 03 sizes from the multi-pack.
I've also tried MICRON, DERWENT and FABER-CASTELL pens. With the same result for the finer pens. The only way I've managed the fine lines I want is by using an 05 (or higher) pen that's about to run out of ink...you know this because you get a thinner line. This is not a real solution for obvious reasons. Years back I used a dip-pen and ink. Lovely. You can vary the weight and get a more interesting line. Unfortunately, in my case, my heavy hand gets lots of blots. There's a school of thought that says 'don't worry about blots.' But that doesn't suit me.
None of this going to stop me drawing, but I'm often disappointed when I haven't been able to get a fine line. There's a dizzying array of drawing pens on the market, and I don't want to try them all. I can't be the only one who has this problem...does anyone know of a more robust (fine) pen?
Posted
I use the Uni-Pin, though the finest line I've got is a 0.3: I've not broken it yet - but again, I'm not heavy-handed because I also use dip-pens, and being heavy-handed with those leads to disaster. I've also used the various Edding pens; not keen on Faber-Castell, as I remember: but I don't remember why; wasn't keen on Staedtler, either, because I found them scratchy in use and they ran out of ink too quickly. Have you ever tried the Rotring Technical pen? I haven't, and the most advanced version is quite expensive - but I knew an architect who always used one, if that's any help at all. Why are you so heavy-handed, I wonder....? Trying to get a thicker line than the pen delivers? Switching to a thicker nib might help, but drawing technique varies at least as much as handwriting, so I might be completely on the wrong track there.
Posted
In the past I've tried rotring, they are the ones that have to be filled with ink, aren't they? I preferred a dip pen. The modern pens are so much more convenient. I don't know why I'm 'heavy-handed'. Maybe because I've never had tuition. I've always needed to have my hand resting on the paper, or a support. I've seen artists holding paint brushes and pencils far away from the business end. Tried it. Can't do it. My fingers have to be close to the nib, or brush tip. Makes no sense, really. My method denies the use of the natural arc of the arm. But I'm too long in the tooth to change now. I'm going to buy one edding pen, if that works...great. I may have to leave things as they are.
Posted
Syd, I've used Faber Castell. Anything above medium (I think that equates with O5 on other pens), and I'm fine...the thinner points have a limited life with me.
Sylvia, blood everywhere...and you can hear my knife scraping the plate three doors away...it's a source of great popularity.
John, you might have a point with the impatience bit, but I need a firm stroke with the pen or the drawing suffers. I've always been like that. I'm talking about the fine shaded lines I see on some pen and ink drawings, for the more subtle shading. As a result, I tend to use the pens that cope with firm pressure, and add grey washes for the more delicate shading. I thought I was using the wrong pens...didn't realize I was such an oddity. After all, if I want to work in black and white, I don't have to invent rules for myself. I couldn't get an Edding 1800 locally, except in a pack, Amazon do singles, I've ordered one. If that doesn't work...I'll settle for pen ink and wash.
Thanks for all the advice.
Posted
Sorry about that, folks. I didn't mean to post that twice...did I mention I was heavy handed? What I meant to do is respond to Gudrun's comment, I left her out.
I do use brush pens, but not for the fine stuff I was talking about...I love to use them large scale, shifting the weight as you use them gives lovely variable lines. Very like dip pens, without the blots.
Posted
Kuretake is also a great brush pen. The natural sable brush tip allows me to create fine lines and finished strokes with ease. The tip's fine bristles also give it the adaptability to create varied line widths, from very fine to broad. Every stroke has the softness and bounce that produces the best responsiveness. You may produce delicate marks and fine lines using this ability for creative illustration.
Posted
I have a Kuretake brush pen Molly, it's a beauty. My clumsy hands won't allow me any delicate touches with it, but it's still a useful addition in the drawing stakes. This discussion is 5 years old, so I'm back to mainly using a dip pen. Edding and Uni pens are still used but less than before.