Recent sketch in ballpoint pen.

[Lunachild]

I love using ballpoint pen as a sketching tool. This was done from a life model. I think it took about an hour.

<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jun-2001/portrait02.JPG" border=0>

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www.arcanum.net/~lunachild (http://www.arcanum.net/~lunachild)


[This message has been edited by sandrafletcher (edited June 07, 2001).]

[sandge]

Hi Lunachild

Welcome to WetCanvas! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

When linking to an image, you need to put in the URL of the image rather than the html page the image is on.

I have uploaded your picture to WetCanvas because it also needed to be reduced in size a bit. Try to keep your images posted here to a maximum of 500 pixels in any direction.

This is a fabulous drawing, btw. And in ballpoint pen, too -- no erasing! You have acheived some very subtle tonal variations with your hatching.

I'd be interested to find out more about your technique. How do you approach a drawing like this?

best wishes
sandra

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http://www.fletcherfineart.com

[ArtyHelen]

Wonderful, Robert!

I also greatly enjoyed your web site - you are extremely talented.

(Not only that, but you're very good-looking too! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/tongue.gif )

Welcome to WetCanvas, and I hope you remember to share with us often!

Helen

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Visit me!
http://pencilartist.50megs.com

[Lunachild]

sandrafletcher- Thanks. I'll remember the pixel limit from now on. Is there also a file size limit too(maybe this is written in a FAQ somewhere, but this web forum is like a maze. . ..).

As for technique, there really isn't any. It's all relative to the person, but the basics do apply. For that particular piece, I think I just lightly placed marking points for the features and contours of the face(it's all in ballpoint pen. Since it's really light marks, there's no need to do it in pencil first). Then I lightly sketch out the outlines for the entire drawing. The proportion is the most important structure to build a drawing on, so I don't hurry this step. After I have that down, I just start hatching away, almost always starting with the eyes(if I fail the eyes, the rest of the portrait is useless). After that, I start blocking in all the middle tones(in case I run out of time, I'd still have some form of modeling on the face), and when that is done, I go in for the darker shadows.

I don't think what I do is really technique. It's more like a method of working. When I think of technique, I tend to think of specific ways of handling a medium.

Part of the reason I also use ballpoint pen a lot is because I wanted to train myself to be fast, accurate, precise, and confident. No erasing, and no fussing about. Just be bold and draw.

ArtyHelen- That website is going down very soon. I have a whole new site under construction. The new site should be much easier to navigate.

Oh, and thank you for the kind words. http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

I'm new here, but I like what I see so far. Many other forums fall victim to bickering and flame wars, and I hope it doesnt' happen here.

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www.arcanum.net/~lunachild (http://www.arcanum.net/~lunachild)

[sandge]

Thanks for sharing your working method. It's interesting to learn how other artist approach things.

As for file size limit, try to keep under 100k.

Originally posted by Lunachild:
Many other forums fall victim to bickering and flame wars, and I hope it doesnt' happen here.


Have you visited the 'debates' forum yet? http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif



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http://www.fletcherfineart.com

[Danny]

Nice Work But I Would Like To Have Seen You Get Into The Hair And Clothing Like You Did The Wonderful Eyes And Skin. Great Concept Though.

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There's No Shame In Trying And Failing. Only In Failing To Try ...... Self Quote (Danny Meazell)

[Cindy]

beautiful & elegant!!!!

[Leopoldo1]

Very well accomplished! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/redface.gifL

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"Art is ever changing. I too find myself in that momentum of change, exploring my successes and failures. Rather remaining stagnant and uninspired, I am complelled to continue to re-invent myself."....L

[cmorrow05]

Luna, this is a beautiful drawing. Such confidence in the lines and in your method. Hope to see more from you soon. http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

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Colleen
"I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." -- John Galt, Atlas Shrugged

[TeAnne]

Cool http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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ART by TeAnne On Ebay (http://members.ebay.com.au/aboutme/teannep/)
I must make a piece of art everyday for my own well being.

[TeAnne]

Originally posted by TeAnne:
Cool http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif



Love the work on your website http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif


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ART by TeAnne On Ebay (http://members.ebay.com.au/aboutme/teannep/)
I must make a piece of art everyday for my own well being.

[TMoore]

Lunachild, I have loved the work that you have posted so far. Ball point pen, wow. Did you ever hear of the artist that does complete, detailed portraits in ball point. I have an example of his work but don' know his name... signature can't be read. I know that this piece was one of the showcase portraits in a portrait competion for an artist magazine about ten years ago. Maybe someone recognizes the artist and can give us more info. Here is the ball point pen portrait:

<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jun-2001/portrait_in_ball_point.jpg" border=0>

Tammy

[josefine]

Beautiful work Lunachild! http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif


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Imagination is more important than knowledge.
-Albert Einstein.

[This message has been edited by josefine (edited June 09, 2001).]