Creative Hosting News

Drawing with Ink: Set down the pencil and try the Pen Blog

Jun 2, 2022

Find online classes in drawing

Character Illustration, sketching tips, ink drawing Portraits in pencil, and much more.

When you think of drawing, sketching using pencil might be the first image you think of. However, pencils aren't the only option to draw. Ink is another drawing medium that's easy to get started with. And once you're comfortable with basic drawing techniques, you'll be able to explore more complex technique to make intricate, vibrant, and even surprisingly realistic art.

Here's how to get started to draw in ink using beginning, intermediate, and advanced ink and pen drawings to help inspire your very first sketch.

Instruments to Draw With Ink

Pens

Ink pens are available in numerous kinds, from simple to more artful:

  • Ballpoint pens
  • Fountain pens and inks that are liquid inside containers
  • Felt-tip pens
  • Highlighters
  • Metallic ink pens

Ink and Brush

If you're looking to make fluid images, various types of ink can be utilized in the same way as paint with a brush and water or any other solvent like alcohol.

  • India ink

Other Tools

   Meditate With Your Pen

   Abstract Drawing Adventure: A Creative Exploration For Mind and Soul

Ink Drawing Ideas

Explore these pencil or ink drawing concepts starting at the beginner level and moving up to the more advanced.

Drawing in Ink: Ideas for Easy

1. Detailed Doodle

The design may appear complicated, but in reality it's a matter of let your mind run wild as you sketch using an ink pen.

2. Ink Monster

3. Simple Line Portrait

Simple lines can be efficient when you incorporate precise and minimal details. You can draw a portrait sketch of someone you've met by drawing a few simple lines.

4. Black and white Illustration

There are many different types of black ink, but you can create simple and striking illustrations by painting with black ink on white paper.

5. Highlighter Art

It is not necessary to have any specific apparatus for drawing with ink. Most of us have a few highlighters stashed in our desks that could be used for drawing stunning and striking design. Drawing with ink pens doesn't get much more colorful than this!

6. Sumie Ink Bamboo

Sumie ink is an Japanese ink widely used in East as well as Southeast Asian artistic traditions. The art of drawing with ink and a brush is a classic art form, and this classic bamboo is easy to paint.

Ink Drawing Ideas: Intermediate

7. Calligraphy

8. Blended Water-Based Art

9. Daily Journal

Journaling is a good activity for self-care. If you tend to be more moved by images rather than words, consider making a journal that is visual of your daily activities or objectives. This example is an the ink pen and watercolor paints.

10. Abstract Alcohol Art

Drawing with alcohol inks or gel pens is simple and produces striking results, although you'll require additional supplies.

Ink Drawing Ideas For Advanced

11. Hand Lettered Poster

Combining ink lettering or drawing along with other media you love, such as watercolor paints, like the ones shown on this poster. The possibilities for drawing using ink and brush expand as you add additional mediums.

12. Ink Landscape

If you're looking to create an ink drawing that looks as a painting, consider using alcohol-based as well as water-based markers, like in this scene of a landscape.

13. Portrait

After you've mastered some sophisticated methods of drawing with ink, you can try an image of yourself or a portrait with shading and details.

14. Scary Scene

Combine careful attention to detail and precise control of the pen to make a rich stunning pencil drawing.

15. Digital Ink Illustration

There are specific programs you'll require to draw digitally, however if you have the software and are able to make use of it, you'll be able to draw illustrations that resemble actual drawing in pencil.

16. Digital Hand Lettering

You can also turn ink drawings and lettering--such as this calligraphy -- into a digital format using software for designing.

Begin Drawing With Ink

You may like the graphic black-and-white contrast of pen-and-ink drawing or are looking to try out various materials and colors You can locate the perfect drawing ink project to suit your style. Use what you already have in your art kit, or invest in some different materials. We want to see what you come up with!

   Expand Your Ink Drawing Skills

   Ink Drawing Techniques: Brush, Nib, and Pen Style