Best pen for sketching - what is it and how to use? Tips and techniques

You already know that sketching with a pen rather than a pencil, makes you more committed to the line and really sharpens up your observation skills, but which is the best pen to use? You also know that if you have to take the kitchen sink with you, when you go out en plein air, you probably just won't go. That's why I love the Stabilo 88.
Let me introduce you to the pen. Whether in the studio or out and about, it is versatile and does two jobs in one. It gives you line and it gives you wash, but you can add watercolour without it going into a muddy mess. I'll share a few ideas for getting the most out of it... and your sketching will thank you for it!
Available in 50+ colours, I recommend using the black or brown (46 and 45) for sketching and show you a few examples - from 5 minute studies in a zoo, to longer layered sketches.
If you enjoy this tip, why not subscribe? I do a short tip, trick or technique each week. These are all the things I wish I had know sooner. If there is anything you want me to cover, do leave a comment and I'll try and help.

[@rowenawhiteford1928]

I am loving this series of tips. I have one of these pens, and did not know they activated with water😳! Thank you Liz!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Really pleased to hear that! Have fun with it.

[@differenttakethanmost]

I got a 12-color set of these Stabilo fine-liner markers for Christmas but the “mini” version-PERFECT for taking anywhere and for detailed work

[@LizChadertonArt]

yes!

[@gayleselby1665]

Another wonderful video and so very timely for me! I just bought a few Stabilos at mIchaels for my trip to Europe next month and you’ve confirmed for me that it was a brilliant choice! Thanks for all the encouragement and info you so cheerfully provide!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Wonderful! hope you really enjoy using them

[@drawingwithpri]

WOW! I am blown away. I have to try this. 😄

[@LizChadertonArt]

You should! They are a such a good way of capturing information fast

[@connieohara6529]

I’m finding your tips SO helpful, Liz! So happy I found your channel recently 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

welcome! Really glad they are helpful

[@sandythompson214]

Thanks!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you very much!

[@claireshand]

Thanks Liz, I got a sepia 88 on your recommendation after reading your book and gotta say am loving the results. I’ve only ever used it dry though so this demo is a bit of a revelation! I’m immediately wondering when I can plan a sketch sess now! Cheers for more great tips x

[@LizChadertonArt]

oh good. you will kind the paper you use makes a difference to how much the ink moves, so do experiment

[@thuntz29]

I have been looking for a pen (or ink) to use like this! I have seen people recommending the elegant writer but it’s quite expensive! This one fits the bill! Will give it a go :) thank you 🙏

[@LizChadertonArt]

Hope you enjoy it! I like them, but The elegant writer is really thick, as it’s a calligraphy pen rather than a drawing pen.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Oh wow I use the Sakura Pigma Micron Ink pens usually so the ink doesn’t move. After watching your video of this pen, I am attempted to get a few colors to add to my line & wash drawings. Thanks for explaining these pens & sharing this wonderful informational video with us. Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful week!

[@LizChadertonArt]

I just find these pens a great way of capturing information fast. I really like Microns too

[@differenttakethanmost]

Give Staedtler’s fine-liners a try, they’re much smoother than the Microns. I’ve always used the Microns (I didn’t know Staedtler made them). Comparatively, I find the Microns “scratchy” or slightly gritty where the Staedtler brand is smooth as glass. Won’t go back 🤓

[@gavinkaufmanworld]

Great video Liz - thanks for sharing 😁

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you, Liz.

[@LizChadertonArt]

hope you found it useful!

[@hsteil]

Great instructional video! Thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alinenash6924]

Great tips Liz. Thank you! I have been using a Berol black handwriting pen which gives a lovely pink tinge. Did not know once wetted and dried it stays put. Lots of wonderful information. Can’t wait for your pen and ink class!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

The Elegant Writer pen gives pink and turquoise. You might like that one!

[@schuhujin5019]

It is sch like shower and the stress is on i (like eagle, not like I and you) , schtabiiilo. Thank you for your information. I never saw my pens like this. I realized that they come in many colors and two different tipsizes and they are not waterproof. And I love them for their colors, use them for giving my sketches a vintage stile, but I never saw the waterproofness after the first wash as a opportunity rather than something useless or even worse as something unwanted . I will give it a try to watercolor after the first wash has dried.

[@LizChadertonArt]

have fun!

[@rzfinearts2162]

Useful video

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you think so!

[@jillm6222]

Love your tips Liz, thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

So glad!

[@johnrevill1087]

Never looked at the stiablo pens I typically use a bick yellow black ball point pen or my fountain pens nice tip thanks

[@LizChadertonArt]

glad you liked it!

[@barbaracallan7672]

❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

☺️

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK]

I wish I had a donkey to carry my art bag 😂😂😂😂 RFLMAO I am setting for a push cart 😂😂

[@LizChadertonArt]

I am very fond of donkeys...just glad I am not one!!

[@greekveteran2715]

Please lovely lady,which paper is the best for Stabilo 88 washes,like you demonstrate on this video,please? Thanks in advance

[@LizChadertonArt]

I use a heavy weight drawing paper (eg cartridge paper) or a Not surface (cold pressed) watercolour paper (140lb/300gsm) such as Bockingford. it shouldn’t be too absorbent

[@greekveteran2715]

@@LizChadertonArt Those 88s are way cooler than I thought! I'm going to get the Sanguine,Sepia and Black in my next order. Thank you very much!!

[@marquesnazareno7003]

thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

You're welcome. I hope you found it useful.

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK]

Do you have an affiliate link? I am going to order some of these pens & fell you should get some compensation as an influencer.

[@LizChadertonArt]

That's very kind of you, but no I do not have an affiliate link for the pens - just get them wherever is cheapest/convenient for you and I hope you like them as much as I do