This weblog by Dinotopia creator James Gurney is for illustrators, plein-air painters, sketchers, comic artists, animators, art students, and writers. You'll find practical studio tips, insights into the making of the Dinotopia books, and first-hand reports from art schools and museums.
You can write me at: James Gurney PO Box 693 Rhinebeck, NY 12572
or by email: gurneyjourney (at) gmail.com Sorry, I can't give personal art advice or portfolio reviews. If you can, it's best to ask art questions in the blog comments.
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All images and text are copyright 2020 James Gurney and/or their respective owners. Dinotopia is a registered trademark of James Gurney. For use of text or images in traditional print media or for any commercial licensing rights, please email me for permission.
However, you can quote images or text without asking permission on your educational or non-commercial blog, website, or Facebook page as long as you give me credit and provide a link back. Students and teachers can also quote images or text for their non-commercial school activity. It's also OK to do an artistic copy of my paintings as a study exercise without asking permission.
I have a sketchbook of smooth paper I use just for my fountain pen. It’s relaxing to allow yourself to make mistakes. A pen definitely shows you what you did wrong!
I love sketching with my Noodler Ahab fountain pen. It has a nicely flexible nib. But it has developed a propensity to leak, which requires a fair amount of vigilance and maintenance to control. Do you have any favorite fountain pens to recommend?
I find that sketching directly with ink consciencely makes me observe more carefully because I don't have the safety net of the eraser. Besides any mistakes usually disappear within the context of the drawing.
Tom, I like using the fude style pens, the type with nibs that have curved tips which enable a variety of line widths. My preferences are the Baoer 388 and Hero 9018, both inexpensive pens, $10 or less, brass/metal bodies and caps, available on eBay. Been using them for years, they're reliable and haven't had any leaking issues.
Tom, I've got the Noodler AHAB, too, and love it, especially the flexible nib. Haven't had issues from leakage. I also like my Waterman Phileus, Opera, and Hemisphere: https://amzn.to/2VvKsoC
( try again:/)This is how the difference between drawing with pencil or pen FEELS to me.Drawing with a pencil is like walking down a forest path, sometimes fast,sometimes slow,feeling the uneven terrain,watching your feet but also taking in your surroundings. Drawing with a pen is like RUNNInG down the path a bit too fast letting gravity take it's course,trying not to fall or twist your ankle.Scary but exhilarating! Each type of drawing is a counterbalance to the other. With the pencil you're questioning and exploring. The pen PULLS you along and you try to keep up.At least that's how it is for me :)
( try again:/)This is how the difference between drawing with pencil or pen FEELS to me.Drawing with a pencil is like walking down a forest path, sometimes fast,sometimes slow,feeling the uneven terrain,watching your feet but also taking in your surroundings. Drawing with a pen is like RUNNInG down the path a bit too fast letting gravity take it's course,trying not to fall or twist your ankle.Scary but exhilarating! Each type of drawing is a counterbalance to the other. With the pencil you're questioning and exploring. The pen PULLS you along and you try to keep up.At least that's how it is for me :)
18 comments:
You are so right! These sketches are over 100 years old and are full of life and vigor.
I like how Édouard was practicing his signature in the lower right hand corner. After six versions, he ran out of room and gave up! :)
Love to look at self-confident sketches like this.
Still, I'm glad the times of such headgear are over...
I have a sketchbook of smooth paper I use just for my fountain pen. It’s relaxing to allow yourself to make mistakes. A pen definitely shows you what you did wrong!
"Pen Sketching is a Confidence Builder" or the opposite. I like to occasionally sketch with a pen. It certainly puts me back in my place. Gary
I spent about 6 months drawing with a pen and now find it difficult to draw with a pencil lol
I love sketching with my Noodler Ahab fountain pen. It has a nicely flexible nib. But it has developed a propensity to leak, which requires a fair amount of vigilance and maintenance to control. Do you have any favorite fountain pens to recommend?
I find that sketching directly with ink consciencely makes me observe more carefully because I don't have the safety net of the eraser. Besides any mistakes usually disappear within the context of the drawing.
Tom, I like using the fude style pens, the type with nibs that have curved tips which enable a variety of line widths. My preferences are the Baoer 388 and Hero 9018, both inexpensive pens, $10 or less, brass/metal bodies and caps, available on eBay. Been using them for years, they're reliable and haven't had any leaking issues.
Thanks Glenn. Much appreciated. I'll look into those pens now.
Tom, I've got the Noodler AHAB, too, and love it, especially the flexible nib. Haven't had issues from leakage. I also like my Waterman Phileus, Opera, and Hemisphere: https://amzn.to/2VvKsoC
Sorry! Don't know what I'm doing wrong to make my comment show up three times!?!!the Baoer and Hero sound good too
( try again:/)This is how the difference between drawing with pencil or pen FEELS to me.Drawing with a pencil is like walking down a forest path, sometimes fast,sometimes slow,feeling the uneven terrain,watching your feet but also taking in your surroundings. Drawing with a pen is like RUNNInG down the path a bit too fast letting gravity take it's course,trying not to fall or twist your ankle.Scary but exhilarating! Each type of drawing is a counterbalance to the other. With the pencil you're questioning and exploring. The pen PULLS you along and you try to keep up.At least that's how it is for me :)
( try again:/)This is how the difference between drawing with pencil or pen FEELS to me.Drawing with a pencil is like walking down a forest path, sometimes fast,sometimes slow,feeling the uneven terrain,watching your feet but also taking in your surroundings. Drawing with a pen is like RUNNInG down the path a bit too fast letting gravity take it's course,trying not to fall or twist your ankle.Scary but exhilarating! Each type of drawing is a counterbalance to the other. With the pencil you're questioning and exploring. The pen PULLS you along and you try to keep up.At least that's how it is for me :)
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