Page 34 - sarah-simblet_sketch-book-for-the-artist

ANIMALS34

Pen and Ink

W I T H A HANDFUL OF FEATHERS, s t i c k s , a n d m e t a l p o i n t s , from the acacia tree, and first used by the Egyptians. The
Chinese used animal or fish glue. The paste from either
you can have great fun drawing the world around you. recipe is pressed and dried into a bar for storage. The bar
Intricate or dramatic lines, spots, and spatters can be made is then rubbed into water on a slate block to produce ink.
with an exotic choice of inks. The Egyptians and Chinese
are credited with the invention of carbon ink, simultaneously Today, high-quality Chinese and Japanese inks are subtler
4 , 5 0 0 years ago, and it is still in use today. A German and more complex than those produced in Europe. Masters
recipe of 1531 gives a simple description: "Take a wax choose brands of long, distinguished manufacture, the recipes
for which have been handed down over centuries. In the Far
candle, light it, and hold it under a clean East, ink is traditionally applied with a brush (see pp.246-47).
basin until the soot hangs to Dip pens began their history in the Nile River, where reeds
it; then pour a little warm gum were gathered. Quills were later cut from feathers, while metal
water into it and temper the two nibs began as rare gifts in gold and silver before being
together. That is an ink." "Gum" perfected by the British steel industry.
refers to gum arabic extracted

PENS

Dip pens are essential and inexpensive drawing tools, which

range greatly in their handling and character of line. Responsive to

slight changes in pressure, they are associated with rapid, expressive

drawing techniques such as the ones we explore in this chapter

1. REED PENS: A broad nib can be cut 4. METAL PENS: Inexpensive removable
from bamboo or another tubular grass. steel nibs are available in a range of
Each pen has a unique character, widths. They fit into wooden holders.
producing a different line. Avoid needle-sharp mapping pens,
which scratch rather than draw.
2. QUILLS: These are cut from the barrel
of a flight or tail feather. The best are
goose or swan. Early artists recommended
raven and crow for especially fine work.

3. F O U N T A I N PENS: These vary
in quality and nib width. The reservoir
gives a constant flow of ink for very long
unbroken lines and continuous bottle-free
use. Only fill with suitable inks.