Introduction to Ink

Learn all the basics of Inking and develop your style & approach to the medium. Designed and taught by the award-winning illustrator Mark Brewer, this course will cover everything from the materials and tools you need to the techniques and styles that make inking such a versatile and exciting medium. At the end of this program, you will be able to use various inking tools and techniques, allowing you to develop your style and approach to inking.

This course is suitable for absolute beginners.

COURSE CURRICULUM

Papers and Ink for Pens and Brushes

Length: 25min

Discover the various types of inks and papers used with fountain pens, dip pens, and brushes; Learn about inks explicitly designed for fountain pens and those that will quickly ruin your pen; and recognize the difference between Cold Press and Hot Press paper and how the "tooth" of the paper contributes to the overall look of your finished drawing.

Session 1: Inking with Dip Pens

Length: 60mins

Learn about the various types of nibs used with dip pen holders; the difference between flexible and stiff nibs; and how to choose the correct nib for your drawing. Then, apply all the knowledge as you ink a drawing alongside Mark, and learn all about how and when to make specific marks.

Session 2: Fountain Pens

Part 1 - Recording Length: 35mins

Part 2 - Live Class Length: 60mins

Part 1 (Recording Only): Learn the parts of a fountain pen, including filling, cleaning, troubleshooting, and preparing a new nib for inking.

Part 2 (Live): Draw alongside Mark using your newfound knowledge of fountain pens. Understand how certain types of lines bring life to your work.

Session 3: Inking with a Brush

Length: 60mins

Learn how to use a brush for inking to achieve varying line sizes; the difference between pure sable hair brushes and synthetic ones; and how your hand position affects your lines. Then, ink alongside Mark while using a brush, putting into practice everything you learned.

Session 4: Inking Techniques

Length: 60mins

Mark will demonstrate various types of techniques used in inking. Create depth in your art with crosshatches, using white on black, and spattering; Add character to your drawings with thick and thin lines from a fountain pen or brush.

Session 5: Bringing it all together

Length: 90mins

Apply everything you learned while creating a complete and more complex piece.

You will wrap up this course knowing how to apply all the techniques, tips, and knowledge to your original work.

REFERENCE PHOTOS & COURSE MATERIALS

• Download the reference photos

• Printouts for the exercises

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES

• Brush(es)

• Pen holder (either regular and/or crow quill) and nib(s) of your choice

• Fountain pen(s)

• Black ink well for dipping + Black ink specifically made for fountain pens

• Scrap paper

• Container of water & paper towel

• Pencil & eraser