Category: pen & ink

This is Ale, I found inspiration for this portrait on Sktchy.  This sketch was created using Micron pens, Copic markers, and white colored pencil on toned paper.  The bulk of the work was done with Micron pens.  I used Copic markers for the background, hat, and shadow on his neck and clothing.  A white colored pencil was used on the highlighted areas of his face and clothing.

I was drawn to his photo because of the dramatic lighting and strong contrasting shadows.  There are a few elements within the sketch that I am not completely satisfied with but I like to challenge myself and I think a person grows when they attempt things that may be slightly beyond their skill level.  You have to keep trying to improve.

I think I will put my pens away for a short time and pick up my pencils again.  I am missing the subtle tones and transitions that can be achieved with graphite.  I may bounce back and forth between the two mediums for a while.  I don’t want to loose the ink skills I gained by participating in Inktober.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by and I hope you like this sketch.

I’m still enjoying this app,  below is my latest sketch.  I was a touch disappointed with this one.  Something seems off but I can’t quite figure out what.  Perhaps it was rushed a bit.  I think the hair and the beard should have been rendered with more care.

This time I thought I would also provide a photo of the graphite under-drawing that I typically produce for an ink portrait.  For this particular sketch I did get a bit carried away with the under-drawing and produced more of a finished sketch than I typically would.  For this piece I almost prefer the graphite version over the ink.  My usual process is to do a fairly detailed graphite sketch including the shading and then ink over the top of it.

You will notice in the sketch below that I have not placed any shading within the iris of the eyes.  This sketch was created using an 0.5mm mechanical pencil.

I’m curious to know what you guys think.  Which do you prefer, the finished ink sketch or the rougher graphite sketch?  Please let me know in the comments.

So a few days ago I posted a portrait sketch and wrote about the app Sktchy.  I am still enjoy the app and I am beginning to build up a collection of inspiration photos in my queue.  Below is my latest sketch (via Sktchy).

I’ve got to say this guy was a blast to draw.  The facial expression was too good to pass up.  I struggled a bit with the beard, and there’s a lot of it!  I nearly ruined the sketch with a miserable attempt to add his hair to the sketch.  In the end I had no choice but to cover it up with black ink but, I think the sketch still works.

A few weeks ago I thought I would download the Sktchy App and see what it was about.  If you haven’t heard of Sktchy I would suggest that you visit the Apple App Store or https://www.sktchy.com and check it out (Currently, I think the app is only available for iOS devices).  To me, Sktchy is similar to Instagram.  Only, it’s completely oriented towards artist.  The app is a place where you can view the art and inspiration of others, as well as, share your own.  Inspiration within the app comes from photos (often selfies) uploaded from other Sktchy users.  If you create art based on another user’s inspiration you can link to the inspiration photo when posting your art.  People viewing you art can simply swipe right to see the inspiration photo.

Anyway here is my latest sketch.  It is based on inspiration that I found via Sktchy.