Simple Ballpoint Pen Shading Tips Pt 1

[@joewigfall1874]

3 Simple Ballpoint Pen Shading Tips: 1. 1:28 Use line weight variation to convey volume and depth. 2. 3:03 Easily convey light and shadow values with different line thicknesses 3. 4:43 Mimic effects of graphite pencils to create smooth tones or even values Masterfully useful for practicing the pen and ink shading technique with an inexpensive ballpoint pen (although the ink in these pens is usually not going to be archival). Highly recommended!!

[@jb6712]

Just found your website this year (2020), and have learned so much from you. You teach everything in such a clear, easy-to-understand manner, even this 67 y.o. woman can understand where and how to place the drawing tools. I've been drawing for decades, but due to a severe shoulder injury six years ago, had to put everything on hold for a long time because my entire arm, including my right hand (and I"m right hand dominant, of course), has experienced, and experiences continually, extensive nerve damage. I only recently got back into drawing, and now need to pretty much relearn everything---control of my drawing instruments isn't as easy as it once was, so I figured why not try adding something to what I already use. Here it is, the simple ballpoint pen--always available, always have at least two dozen in my possession, and lots of time in which to practice. Thank you for all of these tips; I gleaned useful tips for using pencils, too, for which I'm grateful.

[@tifftom2132]

Such an amazing teacher. Sending love from Jamaica.

[@alphonsodunn]

Wow thanks. Big up JA!

[@tao863]

Dunn is perfect for learning english Big-up from France

[@kristlecasey9506]

I knew I heard an accent 🙂

[@Ollieandroe]

This was super helpful! Also this is a good way to show people that the price of your equipment doesn't dictate the quality of your art, or the skill in your technique.

[@alphonsodunn]

exactly

[@antoniojhuerta]

I'm from Venezuela (Far away as you can see) I'm very very very grateful from my heart for your tutorials. Blessings

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much for take the time to share that. You guys keep me going : )

[@christinejones4111]

Wish I had had an Art teacher like you when I was a kid. Love your teaching!

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much : )

[@thesadbanana923]

good video. You're videos prove anyone can do art regardless of budget

[@rhi1814]

I want to do art for GCSE and my auntie showed me this channel and I'm glad she did his is helping me a lot. thank you!!!

[@alphonsodunn]

very welcome

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

FINALLY... someone on YT who just shares the knowledge and TECHNIQUES for great art... and NOT just another "art supplies and instruments sales pitch"! Lots of channels dabble here and there around a little technique and little hatching or cross hatching... and then WILD tangents about Micron this... Copic that... Monte Verde fountain pens that cost $100 a pop... Colored inks marketed as "budget friendly" at $50 an ounce... AND YOU GOTTA HAVE the brush-tipped shaders! Ordinary neutral gray markers just ain't good enough!!! Thank YOU! I don't care that this is an old video or that I'm late to the rodeo... Keep doing what you do! ;o)

[@theg9754]

One of the best teachers on KZbin...makes sense and shows you how its done! Love it

[@the.real.phasmid]

for me i used to sketch with a red ink pen and draw over the sketch with a blue or black and it was so much fun seeing a sketch and its improved version side by side and this video reminded of that time thanks for being awesome

[@majastytheartist6547]

Thank you so much for unlocking my love for pen 🖊 drawings...

[@muchoworld7921]

Big up to this Guy!!! From A to Z he details

[@karenpearson7442]

Love the explanation of "pressure" -- thank you so much for your expertise :)

[@rscasas]

Great as always ! Also I remember in other video about ballpoint pens you pointed out that you can outline without almost any mark of ink. And then go over and over to make the lines you want to. So you can practice without fear! Great tool, indeed!

[@tombota]

You are an exceptional instructor. I've learned so much from your videos and (not to get weird) you voice is so pleasant to listen to...it's relaxing. Thank you so much .I subscribe and I "Thumbs up!" Tom, 70 years old, from Michigan.

[@alphonsodunn]

: ) thanks

[@surinfarmwest6645]

Great idea to teach my local Thai village children colours and shading. Love the lessons as always, thank you for your time!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@SlackwareNVM]

I've been practicing almost exclusively with ballpoint pen. It works best for me (for now). I think it can teach you a lot of valuable things like planning your lines before you lay them down (because you can't erase), which makes your linework better and less messy, makes you more precise. Thank you for the video!

[@alphonsodunn]

very welcome. And yup I agree with all you said. Ballpoint pens rock

[@andysimmons2648]

Excellent video. Ballpoint pens are probably my all time favourite drawing tool; cheap but incredibly versatile. I'm looking forward to more in this series.

[@FuatShucrio]

Great video. During a model drawing class many years ago, participants were truly surprised I was using a cheap ballpoint pen instead of pencil/charcoal. Their main worry was not being able to correct lines using this medium, :). Truly enjoy your style of presentation, thanks for sharing.

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much. That shows you were able to control the pressure of your lines to search out the form of the figure before you began to develop it further. Very rewarding pratice

[@magereina]

love all these tips and tricks! thank you!

[@johnnylamonte3451]

I've been playing with all types of tools, but I think since I'm a beginner I should stick to sketching tools like a ballpoint and a felt tip pen. This is good advice; nice job!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@Lalitpatelksy]

Trying to learn drawing at my age of 60 plus. Hope, your videos will teach me a lot. Thanks and love from my country India. 💝💝🙏🙏

[@darranthompson6464]

Enjoy your work and books keep up the good work

[@annemusleh-zk1vw]

Does it matter what drawing paper i use with ballpoint pen what paper is used for the best art work

[@matthewdraper6763]

Yes printer paper is very thin and light and the pen when you build up with the pen it could rip so for me Bristol/Smooth paper is best choice for pen and ink drawing. Another consideration is to avoid paper that will flare pen lines, usually the case with liquid ink like in a fountain pen and 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀

[@Anonymouthful]

Whats kind of paper works best with ballpoint pens?

[@alphonsodunn]

+Alison Sanches Krinski yup, youre rigtt

[@alphonsodunn]

+AmbientParallel heavy duty drawing paper, multi-media paper, or bristol but regulat drawing or sketch works just fine for practice

[@evertvandenberghe]

You are a great teacher and motivator. Keep up your inspiring work and lessons!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@sangseoklim]

I bought your book. Great Teacher!!

[@sunshinemishasmommy5352]

This was a really useful video..I have been wanting to get into ink drawing but it seems very intimidating to me..but with these tips I feel like I can start practicing ink drawing with a ballpoint pen and then move up to the more expensive archival ink pens as I become better at it if I want to..and I have several ballpoint pens lying around 😊 I just subscribed to this channel,I like how he explains things 😊

[@jwats9184]

You have a beautiful way of describing things. Thank you for your advice!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@grandma.p]

Amazing! This reminds me of when I was a kid and my interest in art was not encouraged. All I had was pencils and ball point pens and any paper I could find between 5th and 11th grade (and then I finally got some art supplies). Too bad you weren't born then because this is good advice.

[@alphonsodunn]

Well, I'm glad you didnt stop or give up : )

[@joaoeduardo2657]

Hello again sensei. Professor I don't have many conditions to go on the best equipment so I was reading your book, I saw you talking about Ballpoint Pen and I didn't think it was possible initially but it's something I can easily buy, and I really enjoyed using it within the drawing. Lately I tried to update and bought a gel pen but the result is not the same do you have any tips on using it? Or any recommendations? Sorry if the text is too big.

[@seahorse5689]

Once again you have put out another super helpful tutorial. BTW, bought your book awhile back, just amazingly helpful.

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@heresamonopassingby8230]

I just found your channel by accident few days ago, I was searching how to draw good with ballpoint pen since I can't afford expensive instruments :'/ and I started watching your videos and even if I just started I can already see some improvements of me after watching your videos! There is still a long way to go to make awesome illustrations but I still wanted to thank you for giving us this kind of content and showing us we can make awesome works with something we all can get easily~

[@alphonsodunn]

🙏

[@rosedelacruz9261]

It's probably been said before, but your line work is fricking AWESOME! Also I totally agree with how you can do so much with just a cheap pen.

[@alphonsodunn]

🙂

[@TheAdonisja]

I always learn a lot. Thank you for making a difference.

[@alphonsodunn]

youre very welcome : )

[@abacdse]

Superb great teaching techniques

[@patytrico]

I keep coming to your videos for references :) You are amazing!

[@pdiddywho5031]

I like this video bro very informative, I just honestly wish I knew this information earlier no wonder I suck at drawing with pen never been my strong suit.

[@emildovis5334]

Great video with clear explanations! Thank you very much!

[@alphonsodunn]

very welcome

[@AndyArtChannel]

I really like your videos. Congratulations, and tks so much

[@roberth.5363]

Your videos continue to inspire.

[@sureshkumarvinnakota5604]

Ur great Teacher to me sir and i have learnt best things from u sir.....

[@larissaheydandrade9785]

You are amazing!!! Hugs from Brazil

[@mayannjenniferramos1964]

Just what I needed. Thank you very much! ❤

[@5malbertom9]

Mr. Dunn, as always, useful tips. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Mexico City.

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@davidvega7773]

great tips for shading! thank you!

[@mphomushophe8905]

Alphonso, you inspire me!This coming all the way from South Africa. I was wondering if maybe you could start a strictly ball point drawing series considering how the style is a bit different from those micron pens ( which I can't afford but still tbh prefer ballpoint)

[@alphonsodunn]

+Mpho Mushohe yes this is just part one :-)

[@MB-ci2qf]

Your video was very interesting, helpful, informative. Thank you so much ❤️

[@endriwejoe8469]

Thank you for your kindness to sharing useful knowledge for us.. great thanks from Indonesia

[@number1zonvip]

Wew ada warga +62

[@charlesjenkins8078]

Thanks.really appreciated the video!

[@AlthoffAdventures]

love the videos so much! there helping my pen drawings so much!! thank you for taking the time to make this video!!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@rodrigostavarengo]

Ótimo vídeo!! Parabéns pelo seu talento!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@rodrigostavarengo]

@@butterflyvlogs944 thank you teacher! I will buy your drawing inking book soon. I really like drawing with ink, with pen, draw hatches and comics. Thank you for your good work! Greetings from Brazil!

[@Gedagnors]

Thank you very much!!! You are great teacher!!!

[@alphonsodunn]

thank you. That means alot

[@Gabihorse]

i loved all ur tips! thank you!!!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@etienneaudouin5606]

There are 3 persons that permit me to have the desire to draw. Kim Jun Gi, Marcello Barenghi, and you. Thanks for your work. PS: Your book arrives monday. I can't wait anymore. 😭

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks so much! And thanks so much for supporting it. I hope you'll love it : )

[@Lee-ns7jf]

Bro. ur skin color is wonderful.

[@alphonsodunn]

Lol thx

[@mattcap5103]

A great video again, thank you very much for these uploads :)

[@alphonsodunn]

+Matt Cap Youre very welcome

[@roxmd1935]

you are really amazing thank you soooooooooo much for your great experience sharing

[@ADLisgarten]

Ballpoint pen is my favourite pen for the types of drawing I want to do. I feel as if I have more control over it than drawing pens. Edit: I feel conflicted because I'm able to express the drawings the way I want them to be with it yet it's not usually 'the thing to do' especially when I compare myself to these fancy digital paintings/digital drawings you find on ArtStation or DeviantArt. I think what I'm trying to say is that I 'should' myself a lot when it comes to art which is sucking the joy out of drawing.

[@Vexarax]

There is so much more skill involved in an actual pen/pencil/paint on paper/canvas drawing though. Using the digital stuff.. well, it's soooo easy to get good results because a lot of it is done for you. Heck it practically does itself as long as you know how to use the program. And there is so much less risk because you can undo anything that doesn't work. Because of this, I actually refuse to do digital art nowadays. For me anyway, it's just not satisfying because I feel like a computer is doing the art for me!!! :o

[@majamuster2470]

Amazing videos!! I have one question, can you elaborate a bit more on the non archivability of ballpoint pens? I always draw with those and now I am concerned that they will be fucked up in the future...

[@alphonsodunn]

I would suggest you fix them (protect them with a layer of fixative) and frame or enclose them in a portfolio that has archival acid free pockets/sleeves

[@majamuster2470]

thank you!

[@dejavulaverite9086]

So useful.. Thanks a lot💫

[@stanlymanly8356]

How would you show a dark surface? like black gloves on pale skin with just a black and white medium.

[@alphonsodunn]

That video will come soon

[@ts-xy2pq]

i love your content. so useful.

[@angelstarfire]

This is so awesome! Thank you!

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@artistrybygagankataria303]

I enjoyed this tutorial. Who else thinks Alphonso is a great artist, hit that like button!!

[@suziealt6842]

Thank you so much. ✌

[@vocaloidsrock6987]

Actually i disagree with the statement that ballpoint pen drawings arent made to last because i have some sketches/doodles i made with ballpoint pens that are over 10 years old, and they are still preserved in remarkable quality. As in they still look brand new, despite being over 10 years old.

[@Vexarax]

Your comment is a year old, but I have to say I own a bic ballpoint pen masterpiece (hyper-realistic!!!) done by my father when he was 20. He's in his 60s now and the ink-work is still as clear as it was when it was first drawn, even though the paper has completely changed colour and the edges are crumbling away!! Ballpoint art (when using a bic at least) really does last! :)

[@kingleon5338]

hope to see your book in ebook or pdf format

[@alphonsodunn]

You will : )

[@austincaruso7596]

great vid love your channel

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much : )

[@skinz1234]

SHOUT OUT AND BIG HELLO!!!!!! TO MY favorite and most helpful artist and great great great guy!!!! :) HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU!!!! im hangin in there like always :) Will talk to you on a personal basis again some day soon im sure :) KEEP EM COMING YOU HELP SO MANY PEOPLE ITS UNBELIEVABLE AND THAT CAN AND SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL GREAT :)

[@TheCarole41]

Thank you for your tutorial you really are something special as a teacher, I will be asking for a copy of your book to be sent to me.

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@buzzer79]

who ever gave u a thumb down is just a mufu for real! thx man for this nice tutorial

[@alphonsodunn]

lol That's people for you

[@PencilDrawingAcademy]

Good video. Thank so much

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks

[@GeistreichN]

Able to fit in an 8 minute video what takes some instructors a book to teach. Fantastic instruction

[@hi-ho7636]

Damn I'm excited to use dip pens or like brush pen cus that's what my fav artists use for pen and ink drawing, but I don't have any idea how to use them, plus I'm still not that gpod in pen and ink drawing so using expensive af (in my country everything is expensive) will not be worth it. So I'm glad with just my regular ballpoint pen I can do amazing art anf can be my practice tool. ♥♥ great video!

[@alphonsodunn]

👍very welcome. Keep practicing with you ballpoint pen

[@spirallion6829]

Nice video thanks 👍👍❤️😁😁👍

[@sararamahi2781]

thank you.. from Jordan 💙💙

[@fahsjdhd]

Hi, I have a Problem.... so I "finished" a drawing today annnnd it looked bad. there was too much space/white still there. And when you draw with red and blue pens, it kinde looks weird because there is so much space. Do you have any tips for that?

[@elianemara3326]

Sou sua fã sou do Brasil Guarujá sap Paulo fã mesmo

[@SpaceBandit666]

Wait, what do you mean that the ink is not archival? All of my ink works have been done in ballpoint, so is it inevitable for the ink to fade?

[@natashaali6975]

SUBSCRIBED YOU ON FIRST LOOK AT YOUR WORK BROOOO

[@alphonsodunn]

+Natasha Ali thanks much

[@phsyckomantis]

thaks a bunch sir 👍✌❤😃

[@rosamontero946]

thanks for the tips alphonso;)

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@3131-u3f]

you are my hero

[@plume9772]

nice video, thank you :)

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much. very welcome

[@fr654yuu]

Buying your merchandise

[@segmanebasste9771]

your vidéo is soo halpfull but Can you give as tutoriel about shaiding with pencil and colorde pencil. Big thanks from algeria 🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿

[@alphonsodunn]

Those will come soon : )

[@sathishbabu.s6251]

very nice

[@alphonsodunn]

+sathish babu thanks

[@jonathanr7603]

you are amazing

[@alphonsodunn]

Thanks much

[@delila351]

who would have thought? I have doodled with them, but never really tried to draw a picture...yep, NO excuse :)

[@alphonsodunn]

+DeLila Bogart haha yup. Get drawing

[@saraabdalaslamsaraabdlsala425]

great teacher I just fall in love with you 😍❤

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@oraclesundays]

5:53

[@aftabart3769]

Wao

[@moiseschavezvelasco954]

Struggling to find a ballpoint pen for free? Go to your local bank, and keep saying "yeah, cool" as if you care to the executive until they give you one. There you have it, art supplies for free! (usually black or blue). And those last for a while!

[@alphonsodunn]

Hahaha yup, just like that

[@edithdanley4836]

Fun..finished a bowl of fruit with my pens

[@alphonsodunn]

Nice. Share it : )

[@tormyguy7185]

I know i created sooo many drawing using just a simple ball point pen

[@alphonsodunn]

Yup

[@여감비]

고마워요=thank you

[@butterflyvlogs944]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4TVYnV6nqiiidk

[@BLITZftw]

I keep getting random blobs of ink every time i try to draw with a ball point pen lel :0

[@alphonsodunn]

Try wiping the point first or just dabbing it on a piece of napkin or paper towel

[@BLITZftw]

Whao, apart from the infinite awesome tutorials in which you put a lot of time, hardwork and dedication; i didn't think a youtuber with 450k would even bother replying to most comments but you sir are making a difference and setting a whole another level for other big yt channels out there; Good luck and hopefully you'll hit a milli subs soon :p

[@gutomonn]

heeey: D

[@alphonsodunn]

hello : )