It is always wise for a beginner to draw the shading lines in pencil before putting them in with the pen. In C a pencil sketch is shown with the lines marked that are to be later drawn in with pen.
D is the finished pen drawing. Of course, this method is largely dropped when the artist becomes an expert; but it is, at the beginning, very necessary.
Showing shape by line direction
The method of running a line to express a certain shade or shape and the direction of the line forming the shadow is very important. It may be taken as a general rule that the direction of the line forming the shadow should follow the shape, and this is shown in Figs. E, F, G, the outline of which is the same in each case.
Wrong
In E no notice has been taken of the shape, otherwise than as it casts a certain shadow. The shade lines have been simply run straight vertically, the sole means for showing the shape being the different degrees of tone and thickness in the lines, and the perspective of the ends. If these ends are covered, we get no effect of perspective in the object, ,which looks as though we were gazing squarely at the side, instead of partially from one end. It simply becomes a part of a rounded object set in front of us.
Right
In F the tone quality is the same, the shadows fall in the same places, but the lines composing them conform to the perspective shape of the cylinder instead of ignoring it, as in E. Thus it makes no difference where the eye falls upon the surface, we appreciate the fact that the cylinder is in perspective and viewed from one end. If we cover up the ends, it makes no difference, and if we imagine this cylinder to be part of a group, with both ends covered, we can readily get the reason for the point made above, and see why the direction of shade lines is sometimes a matter of great importance.
G shows a third method of lining which is useful in some cases and can be drawn in less time, but by far the best manner of shading for general work is that shown in F.
A shows the effect obtained by line direction very well. The whole effect of this drawing is obtained from the direction of the lines. They are all of practically the same thickness and the same distance apart, form a flat and even tone, and have no shadow variation at all. Yet the texture shows very plainly; we are in no doubt of the object we are gazing at, we know that it is a piece of wood, and the effect of the grain is obtained solely through the direction of the lines.
Direction of lines is also a question of deep moment in groups, as at C. Note the way in which the lines help the effect, by separating the various articles from each other. The background lines are run horizontally, those of the table horizontally, while those on the bottle and the pen conform to the shapes of the objects. The various objects are thus separated or individualized not only by the differences of tone, but also by the differences in line direction. Technique of redrawn lines. It is not always possible, especially for a beginner, to draw a line of just exactly the proper thickness to make a certain tone required.
Hi Robert I am one of your fan in art but I am eager to learn to draw with pen art is fun thanks*
I use to draw a lot about 30 years ago, but I became interested in astronomy which took up just about all of my time. Well my doctor says staying out late at night in the damp air is not good for me, and lifting my heavy equipment also is not good for me. So I’ve decided to give up astronomy and go back to drawing and painting (water colors). This site proved to be just the ticket to get back into art. I am 80 years old but I think I can handle the pen and brush. I did not know that I had become so rusty at drawing. This sote is putting me back on track. I will draw most of the subject matter as it has really helped. Thank you ever so much.
Hi Robert. Sorry to take so long to get back to you. It is never too late to get back into art. It is just what the soul needs to uplift your mood and make life a bit more fulfilling. Glad that my site helped you!!!!
I really like your tutorials and web site. But…. I do find the Draw While You Learn side bar box annoying. I minimize it, but each time I change pages, it comes back up. I think its a useful tool, but keep it minimized until needed.
Hmmmm….that does sound annoying…I will think of a way to stop it from doing that. Thanks for letting me know.
I was looking for something like this on the internet and almost gave up on the matter till i found this!
Thank you! I love you so much =,)