It’s amazing to see how a few scribbles and scratches on paper can create an image. I’ve been using a pen lately to prevent erasing. All my lines are permanent so therefore I don’t have the option of a second attempt to get a line perfect. I’ve been practicing many different pen and ink techniques that include hatching, cross-hatching, contour hatching and scumbling.

Hatching is using parallel lines to create different shades and tones. More space between lines leaves room for highlights. Every line is straight but various in length and placement to create depth. The more lines on top of each other the darker it is for shading. Contour hatching also deals with parallel lines but instead of staying straight they curve.

Cross-hatching is using straight lines that criss-cross to create shading.

Scumbling, in my opinion, has always been the craziest technique. It is basically controlled scribbling.

There are many more techniques to try and I intend to try them all. I also personally enjoy pointilism which is just a series of dots repeating. This takes patience and I love doing natural sceneries with pointilism. Perhaps a near future project?

All in good time. For now I’m focusing on some more dog portraits, an equine piece and a painting with seahorses! Stay tuned for that and more! Hope your having a great summer!

Until next time,

“Not all who wander are aimless. Especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition; beyond definition; beyond the image.”