How to Keep that Pen Dancing - Painting & Drawing Tips

How is it possible to really keep your pen dancing?

Many would say that only practice.  And then more practice will do it.  

Sketchbook Practice: Frames 

And yes this is true, practice helps. A lot.  But it is important that it is 'productive' practise. And practice you will enjoy.  In my last post I suggested a great activity to really have fun with your line work and add the splash of watercolour to produce a great painting.  I think you will find this activity just as enjoyable.  

Before I get started I want to explain my interpretation of "Making your Pen Dance".  I am trying to encourage you to draw with your pen with confidence.  Making marks freely without feeling the need to draw everything first with a pencil.  When you trace a pencil line with a pen, your line looks contrived.  It lacks that life that a loose and lively line, has when drawn freely.  

Supplies: 

sketchbook, pencil, eraser and pens - I used only 2 - Black Permenant ink micron 03 & 05.  If you like coloured pens by all means use them.  I discovered long ago that I was really a black ink artist.  Although I did a number of drawings with coloured pen, I prefer the beauty of the black line.  

Dancing with Your Pen

1.Draw picture frames of varies sizes and shapes on your page. No ruler or pencil, just your 05 pen.  Yes, they will be a bit woobly and certainly not square but enjoy the wonkiness.  I like to go back and put a second line around them to make it look like a frame.  

A pile of Rocks - practise crosshatching shadows

2. Draw a pile of rocks from your imagination. Just pile the rocks up 2 or 3 on top of each other as you fill up one of your drawing boxes. Decide on a source of light and add some shadows. (I use my 03 for this)  Then add a few grasses around them.  

Drawing from your imaginations helps to move away from the idea of 'exactness'.  It allows you to draw lines confidently, not worrying about getting it right.  At the same time, begin to notice your lines.  When drawing the grasses you can see the power of a dot or squiggle.  They can suggest flowers or buds on your grasses.  Adding those shadows helps in practicing your crosshatching. 

 

Tree, stump & bushes - Don't forget a few shadows

3.  Trees and stumps can be fun. Draw bare trees, enjoy the mark making of the grain on the trunks.  It can be any design and still create lots of interest.  Pay attention as your pen tells you what interesting things it can suggest.  Don't forget to add a few shadows. 

Plants, leaves and mountains - Try different line work for shadows

4.  Plants, leaves and mountains puts you in the free flowing mode.  There a many things from nature you can draw from your imagination.  You do not need to outline first with a pencil.  Just start drawing.  

Don't forget a few flowers - make sure your petals are NOT perfect

5.  Graphic Flowers always bring a smile.  Simple clusters of flowers or even 1 big one can get your pen dancing.  By keeping the movement free and loose you end up with very lively petals.  It helps you embrace the wobbliness.  

 

I have suggested a few things that you can draw form your imagination.  I am sure it will inspire you to draw other things as well.  Be sure and make your frames different sizes and shapes.  This will inspire different compositions.  A collection of rock piles would look very different when you vary the sizes, shading and frame shape.

  

Of course you can draw other things, buildings, houses, food, and more.  My only caution is you may find you want to layout in pencil first.  That is a great stepping stone in mixing free hand drawing with layout lines.  But don't underestimate the value of freehand drawing.  It really builds confidence in your mark making.  

Upcoming Events: 

4-Day Outdoor Sketching Art Retreat in the Shuswap with Wendy Mould, hosted by Joanne Dennis, June 12-15, 2026.   All inclusive: food, instruction, accommodations and drive from Lower Mainland.  $400-$750 depending on room choices.   https://www.joannedennis.ca/events-list/aventurasretreats/

Outdoor Sketching Mini-Adventure: 

Join Wendy for 2.5 hr in local North Langley parks.  Practical instructions in gettin your sketch on paper and bringing your memories to life.  Mediums: pencil, pen & watercolour. 
Dates: Wednesday or Thursday, June 24/25, July 22/23, or Wednesday, August 5 or Aug 12. It is best to go 10-12:30am as the light is good for shadows. 6-8:30pm also works for evening sketching.  Bring a lunch or small dinner to add to the adventure. 

Individual $85  Small group 2 or 3, $65 ea.  Payment is due once your dates have been confirmed.

Always  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Private Drawing Lessons, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

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Have a great Artful Day,